The Federal Government has announced a major trade breakthrough between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates, revealing that Nigeria has removed tariffs on 6,243 products from the UAE, while the UAE has eliminated tariffs on 7,315 Nigerian products. The move is part of a new trade agreement designed to open markets, boost exports, and attract investment.
The development was disclosed on Tuesday by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment through details of the Nigeria–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in January 2026. According to the ministry, the deal is aimed at expanding market access for Nigerian goods, businesses and professionals, while also encouraging stronger investment flows between both countries.
Under the agreement, Nigeria will immediately remove tariffs on 3,949 products, representing over 63 per cent of the total items covered, while tariffs on 2,294 products will be phased out over five years. However, Nigeria excluded 123 sensitive products from tariff liberalisation to protect local industries.
On the UAE side, tariffs will be scrapped immediately on 2,805 Nigerian products, with additional removals scheduled over three and five years. Still, the UAE has retained import bans on 593 products, including pork, narcotics, used tyres and asbestos-related items.
The agreement was signed on January 13, 2026, by Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, and the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, in the presence of President Bola Tinubu and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
According to the ministry, the pact is expected to deliver significant economic benefits, especially by boosting non-oil exports, creating jobs, and supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification drive. The UAE market will now open more widely to Nigerian agricultural products such as fish, cereals, fruits, nuts, cocoa, coffee and spices, as well as industrial and manufactured goods including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, paper products and machinery.
Beyond goods, the CEPA also strengthens services trade. Nigerian professionals and business owners will be able to enter the UAE more easily to explore opportunities, establish companies and operate across multiple sectors covered by the agreement.
The Federal Government says the deal aligns with Nigeria’s commitments under the WTO, AfCFTA and ECOWAS, while reinforcing the country’s position as a gateway to West African and African markets. Relevant agencies have been directed to work together to ensure smooth implementation and help Nigerian exporters fully benefit from the new trade window.
