President Bola Tinubu has announced that Nigeria has signed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to allow duty-free access for thousands of Nigerian products into the Arab nation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Tinubu said the agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, alongside UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
According to the president, the deal is expected to significantly boost opportunities for Nigerian exporters, manufacturers and service providers, while also giving UAE investors greater confidence to invest in Nigeria’s productive sectors.
“For Nigerians, this agreement is not abstract. It opens duty-free access for thousands of Nigerian products into the UAE, expands opportunities for our exporters, manufacturers, and service providers, and gives UAE investors clearer confidence to back Nigeria’s productive economy,” Tinubu said.
He added that the agreement aligns with Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic diversification agenda, while strengthening the country’s position as a key gateway for trade and investment into Africa.
“This is the work of economic reform, purposeful engagement and measured partnerships. The outcomes will serve Nigeria’s long-term national interest,” the president stated.
Tinubu noted that the agreement was the outcome of sustained negotiations led by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, and her UAE counterpart, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi. He commended both ministers and their teams for their commitment and diligence in concluding the talks.
The president expressed optimism that the renewed Nigeria-UAE partnership would deliver lasting benefits to both countries and their citizens.
