Nigeria–UAE Scrap Tariffs on Over 13,000 Goods
President Bola Tinubu and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that removes tariffs on more than 13,000 products traded between both countries. Under the deal, Nigeria has eliminated tariffs on 6,243 UAE goods, while the UAE has removed tariffs on 7,315 Nigerian products.
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.
Key Benefits for Nigerian Exporters and Businesses
The Federal Government says the deal will expand market access for Nigerian goods, services, and professionals, boost non-oil exports, and attract foreign investment and jobs, especially for young Nigerians.
“This agreement will expand market access opportunities for Nigerian products, businesses, and professionals into the UAE while facilitating investment flows,” the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment stated.
Nigerian Products That Will Enter the UAE More Easily
Agricultural and primary products benefiting immediately include fish and seafood, cereals, oil seeds, fruits and nuts, live animals and meat products, cotton, hides and skins.
Other items like cocoa, coffee, tea, spices, wood products, mineral fuels, and oils will enjoy tariff removal within three to five years.
For industrial and manufactured goods, tariffs are removed on pharmaceuticals, chemicals, paper, books, and newspapers immediately, while machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, furniture, apparel, ceramics, and glass will be phased in over time.
What the UAE Can Export to Nigeria
Nigeria will remove tariffs on machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, plastics, iron and steel, and mineral fuels, while some food and apparel items will be phased out over five years. However, 123 sensitive products like meat, dairy, tomato paste, alcohol, soaps, and some textiles remain protected.
Services, Jobs, and Business Opportunities
Beyond goods, the deal opens over 200 service areas. Nigerians can now travel to the UAE for business, explore trade opportunities, and set up companies legally under covered sectors.
How Nigerians Can Be Part of It
Farmers & manufacturers: Package products for export to the UAE market
SMEs: Partner with UAE distributors and logistics firms
Professionals: Explore service and business entry opportunities
Exporters: Register with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC)
Investors: Engage the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC)
The Nigeria–UAE CEPA is a major opportunity to earn foreign exchange, grow businesses, and create jobs. Nigerians who act early—especially exporters and entrepreneurs—stand to gain the most as the UAE market opens wider to Nigerian goods and services.
