• UAE to phase out more tariffs; Nigerian firms gain market, visa access

• Agreement aims to boost exports, jobs, and investment-led growth in Nigeria

Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on Tuesday. Under the deal, the UAE will remove tariffs on more than 7,000 products. Fish and seafood, cotton, pharmaceuticals and chemicals will enter the UAE duty-free.

The agreement aims to boost trade, improve access for Nigerian exports, attract investment and create skilled jobs, particularly for young Nigerians. It also stipulates that the UAE will phase out tariffs on machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, clothing and furniture from Nigeria over the next three to five years.

Nigeria’s Trade Deal with the UAE: Minister Jumoke Oduwole

Explains What Nigeria Stands to Gain from CEPA.@asovilladigital | @joduwole pic.twitter.com/zmtLa7viLL

— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) January 13, 2026

Nigerian companies will be able to set up operations in the UAE through new entities, branches and subsidiaries. Nigerian businesspeople will also be able to stay for up to 90 days in any 12-month period to explore trade and investment opportunities.

The agreement was signed in the presence of President Bola Tinubu on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. Tinubu said on X that the deal would support industrialisation and diversification while strengthening Nigeria’s position as a gateway for trade and investment in Africa.

At the invitation of His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (@MohamedBinZayed), I am in Abu Dhabi for Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, where today I witnessed the signing of the Nigeria-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement alongside His Highness, the… pic.twitter.com/U8XJmF2ZCc

— Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) January 13, 2026

Nigeria’s economy grew 4.1% in 2024, according to the World Bank. On Jan. 3, 2026, the government unveiled a plan to accelerate growth, boost jobs and investment, and lift GDP to $1 trillion by 2036.

Abuja has also introduced reforms aimed at making it easier to do business, including tax breaks, customs exemptions and measures to improve transparency. Trade between Nigeria and the UAE was estimated at $4.2 billion in 2024, according to the International Trade Centre. The partnership is expected to help Nigerian companies expand internationally, while the UAE deepens its footprint across Africa.

Lydie Mobio