The Federal Republic of Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates have signed a landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that promises to transform economic ties between the two nations and deliver tangible benefits for Nigerian businesses, professionals, and workers.
A Historic Milestone
This Agreement, signed on January 13, 2026, is the product of focused and determined negotiations led by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment under the direction of Dr. Jumoke Oduwole MFR. It prioritises market access for Nigerian goods and services, facilitates quality investment inflows, and advances Nigeria economic diversification under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Key Benefits for Nigerian Exporters
For Nigerian exporters, the UAE will eliminate tariffs on over 7,000 products. Immediately, agricultural and industrial products including fish and seafood, oil seeds, cereals, cotton, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals will enter the UAE market duty-free. Over the next three to five years, the UAE will eliminate tariffs on Nigerian machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, apparel, and furniture.
Business Mobility and Investment
Nigerian businesses can now establish operations in the UAE through new corporate entities, branches, and subsidiaries. Nigerian business visitors can enter the UAE for up to 90 days in 12 months to explore trade and investment opportunities, while intra-corporate transferees can relocate with their corporate entities for renewable three-year periods.
Strategic Implications
This CEPA positions Nigeria as the gateway for international investors seeking access to the African Continental Free Trade Area and its 1.4 billion people. Nigeria has already recorded unprecedented participation from UAE institutional investors, including First Abu Dhabi Bank, particularly in infrastructure financing for projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road.
What I-STRATA Can Do
As a business concierge and cross-border execution platform, I-STRATA is uniquely positioned to help Nigerian businesses navigate this new trade landscape. Our services include jurisdictional integration, curated access to UAE business networks, and concierge-level stewardship for companies looking to expand into Gulf markets.