Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a trade agreement that will remove tariffs on over 7,000 products, marking a new phase in economic relations between the two countries.
The Nigeria–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement was formalised during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan present at the signing.
Under the agreement, Nigerian exporters will receive tariff-free access to the UAE for a range of goods, including agricultural and industrial products such as fish, cotton, oil seeds, cereals, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
During the next three to five years, tariffs on items such as electrical equipment, machinery, vehicles, furniture, and apparel will also be eliminated.
According to Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, this arrangement aims to allow Nigerian businesses greater ability to establish operations in the UAE and enables business visitors from Nigeria to foray into the UAE for up to 90 days within one year.
Meanwhile, executives, managers, and specialists from Nigeria will have access to renewable three-year arrangements for relocation.
President Tinubu said on X: “This agreement is the result of sustained and disciplined work led by Minister Dr Jumoke Oduwole for Nigeria and by Minister Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi for the UAE. I commend both ministers and their teams for the seriousness and clarity that brought these negotiations to a conclusion.”
The deal is intended to support increased investment, improve logistics, and create jobs by providing more certainty for Emirati investors in Nigeria’s productive sectors.
The agreement also includes provisions on services covering 99 specific areas across sectors such as business, transportation, communications, and financial services.
Nigeria has committed to eliminating tariffs on around 6,000 products coming from the UAE. Approximately 60% of these tariffs will be removed immediately while the remainder are scheduled for phased removal over five years.
The imports primarily consist of industrial inputs, capital goods and machinery intended to enhance Nigeria’s domestic production capacity. However, Nigeria’s existing import prohibition list will remain unchanged.
The Nigerian Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment will coordinate with agencies including the Nigeria Customs Service and Nigerian Export Promotion Council to implement the agreement efficiently.
Officials indicated that Nigerian private sector engagement was considered throughout the negotiation process.
Both governments expect that this pact will increase market access for exporters and provide clear regulatory guidelines for investors operating between Nigeria and the UAE.
