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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates, opening duty-free access for thousands of Nigerian products into the UAE.
In a statement shared on his X handle on Tuesday, January 13, President Tinubu revealed that the agreement was signed while attending Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, at the invitation of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The President explained that, in addition to duty-free access, the agreement will expand opportunities for Nigerian exporters, manufacturers, and service providers. It also provides UAE investors with greater confidence to invest in Nigeria’s productive economy.
“This agreement is part of Nigeria’s ongoing economic reform efforts and is aimed at delivering long-term benefits for both countries,” Tinubu said.
He praised the work of both teams behind the negotiations, led by Minister Dr. Jumoke Oduwole for Nigeria and Minister Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi for the UAE, calling their efforts “sustained, disciplined, and clear.”
“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. It also supports our industrialisation and diversification goals and strengthens Nigeria’s position as a gateway for trade and investment into Africa,” he added.
President Tinubu described the deal as the outcome of “economic reform, purposeful engagement, and measured partnerships,” emphasizing that it will serve Nigeria’s long-term national interest.
He concluded by expressing hope that the renewed relationship between Nigeria and the UAE will continue to yield lasting benefits for both nations and their citizens.
