Nigeria has signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to expand market access for Nigerian agricultural and industrial products while creating new opportunities for youth employment and climate-smart economic growth.
The agreement, signed in Abu Dhabi between January 11 and 15, removes tariffs on thousands of goods traded between both countries and marks a major milestone in Nigeria–UAE economic relations.
Rep. Sam Onuigbo, a member of the Governing Board of the North-East Development Commission, disclosed the development in an interview in Abuja on Tuesday, describing the pact as a breakthrough for Nigerian businesses.
Under the CEPA signed in January 2026, the UAE will eliminate tariffs on 7,315 Nigerian products, including immediate duty-free access for 2,805 items, representing 38.3 per cent of covered goods.
The remaining products, including both agricultural and industrial exports, will have tariffs phased out over 3 to 5 years.
In return, Nigeria has eliminated tariffs on 6,243 products imported from the UAE, creating what Onuigbo described as a mutually beneficial trade environment.
According to him, the agreement is expected to stimulate agribusiness exports, strengthen value chains and improve income opportunities for farmers, processors and small-scale exporters.
Onuigbo said the pact would enable verified Nigerian business owners to establish offices in the UAE, operate for up to three months, and return home with expanded commercial networks.
He added that the agreement aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to reposition Nigeria as an investment destination while addressing unemployment through expanded trade and enterprise development.
“This agreement creates a conducive environment for business owners in Nigeria and opens up new employment opportunities, especially for young people,” he said.
Onuigbo also reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness for business, noting that the country has unveiled a carbon market framework to attract climate-focused investments and promote sustainable development.
He highlighted ongoing reforms, including the Energy Transition Plan, the Climate Change Act and the Electricity Act signed in 2023, as critical steps towards closing Nigeria’s energy gap and supporting industrial and agricultural growth.
“Electricity is fundamental to industrial development, and Nigeria recognises its importance in achieving economic and food security goals,” he said.
The lawmaker commended Nigeria’s participation in the Abu Dhabi summit, saying it would strengthen global economic cooperation and support climate action.
He expressed optimism that the Nigeria–UAE partnership would help address climate change challenges while driving economic growth and export-led development in 2026 and beyond.
Source: NAN
Image Credit: BizWatch News
