Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement that removes tariffs on more than 7,000 products and opens access to 108 service sectors, marking one of Nigeria’s most far-reaching bilateral trade deals.
The agreement was signed in Abu Dhabi by Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s minister of industry, trade and investment, and Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE minister of state for foreign trade, in the presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Under the deal, Nigerian exporters gain duty-free entry into the UAE market across thousands of product lines, alongside expanded market access for service providers in sectors ranging from logistics and finance to professional services.
The framework is designed to support Nigeria’s diversification drive and improve competitiveness for domestic firms seeking entry into Gulf and wider global markets.
Oduwole said the agreement aligns with Nigeria’s commitments under the World Trade Organization, the African Continental Free Trade Area and Economic Community of West African States, positioning the country as a gateway for international investors targeting Africa.
President Tinubu described the agreement as a product of sustained negotiations that provide concrete outcomes for exporters, manufacturers and service providers, while offering clearer assurances for UAE investors backing Nigeria’s productive economy.
Officials said implementation will focus on trade facilitation, customs cooperation and private sector engagement to ensure Nigerian businesses can effectively utilise the new market access.
