President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi, a move that will allow thousands of Nigerian products to enter the UAE market duty-free.
In a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, January 13, President Tinubu revealed that the agreement was finalized during his attendance at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, following an invitation from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
He explained that beyond granting duty-free access to Nigerian goods, the agreement is expected to create broader opportunities for exporters, manufacturers, and service providers, while also boosting investor confidence among UAE investors in Nigeria’s productive sectors.
The President described the agreement as part of Nigeria’s ongoing economic reform efforts and said it was aimed at delivering long-term benefits for both countries.
“This agreement is the result of sustained and disciplined work led by Minister Dr Jumoke Oduwole for Nigeria and by Minister Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi for the UAE. I commend both ministers and their teams for the seriousness and clarity that brought these negotiations to a conclusion.
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. This comprehensive agreement also supports our industrialisation and diversification goals and strengthens Nigeria’s position as a 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.
May the renewed relationship between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates continue to yield sustained dividends for both nations and our peoples.”