Nigeria and the UAE just signed a trade agreement. Here is what it means for your business.
On January 13, 2026, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). It is a big deal. If you are a Nigerian exporter, a business owner, or someone looking to invest in Nigeria, this agreement opens doors that were previously closed.
Let us break down what actually matters.
1. Nigerian Products Now Enter the UAE Duty-Free
Starting immediately, over 7,000 Nigerian products can enter the UAE without tariffs. This includes fish, seafood, oil seeds, cereals, cotton, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.
Over the next three to five years, tariffs will also be eliminated on machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, apparel, and furniture.
What this means: If you export any of these products, you just got a competitive advantage. Your goods are now cheaper in the UAE market.
2. Setting Up a Business in the UAE Just Got Easier
Nigerian entrepreneurs can now more easily establish companies, branches, or subsidiaries in the UAE. The CEPA provides clearer pathways and reduced barriers to market entry.
What this means: If you have been thinking about expanding to the Middle East, the paperwork and regulatory process just got simpler and more transparent.
3. Business Visits Just Got Easier
Nigerian business visitors can now spend up to 90 days in the UAE within a 12-month period. Managers and executives can relocate for renewable three-year periods.
What this means: You can visit the UAE to explore opportunities without worrying about visa restrictions. Your team can work there long-term.
4. UAE Investors Are Coming to Nigeria
First Abu Dhabi Bank and Sky Capital are already investing in Nigeria. They are funding major projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road. This is not speculation—it is happening now.
What this means: Foreign investment is flowing into Nigeria. If you are in agriculture, real estate, digital banking, retail, or infrastructure, this is your moment.
5. Nigeria Import Restrictions Stay in Place
Nigeria is opening its market to about 6,000 UAE products, but the Import Prohibition List remains. Certain sectors are still protected.
What this means: The government is not abandoning local industries. Your domestic market still has protections.
6. Services Sector Is Opening Up
Nigeria is opening 99 specific services across 10 sectors: business services, communications, transport, financial services, construction, distribution, health, environment, sports, and tourism.
What this means: If you are in any of these sectors, you now have access to UAE clients and partners.
7. The CEPA Strengthens Nigeria Position as Africa Gateway
Nigeria role as a gateway to Africa was established through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The CEPA enhances this by attracting international investors who want to use Nigeria as their base to access Africa 1.4 billion people.
What this means: This agreement makes Nigeria even more attractive to foreign investors looking to do business across Africa. Combined with the AfCFTA, Nigeria is now the obvious choice for companies entering the African market.
What Happens Next
The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment is coordinating implementation with the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, and Standards Organization of Nigeria. They will provide guidance on documentation, tariff schedules, and compliance requirements.
If you are an exporter, start identifying which of your products qualify for duty-free access. If you are an investor, start researching opportunities in Nigeria productive sectors.
This agreement was negotiated for the private sector. Now it is time to use it.