The United Arab Emirates and Nigeria have taken a major step toward deepening bilateral economic relations with the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aimed at boosting trade, investment, and cooperation across key sectors.
The agreement was signed during a high-level meeting between senior officials from both countries, reflecting a shared commitment to expanding economic engagement and creating new opportunities for businesses. The CEPA is designed to reduce or eliminate tariffs on a wide range of goods, streamline customs procedures, and enhance market access for exporters from both sides.
Officials said the partnership would strengthen cooperation in priority sectors such as energy, renewable resources, agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and digital services. The agreement is also expected to encourage greater private-sector participation, facilitate investment flows, and support small and medium-sized enterprises in accessing new markets.
Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest economies and a key trade partner for the UAE on the continent. Bilateral trade between the two countries has grown steadily in recent years, with the UAE serving as an important gateway for Nigerian products to global markets, while Nigerian demand for Emirati goods and services continues to rise.
UAE officials highlighted that the CEPA aligns with the country’s broader strategy to expand its global trade network and strengthen partnerships with high-growth markets. Nigerian representatives, meanwhile, emphasized that the agreement would support economic diversification, job creation, and industrial development.
Both sides expressed confidence that the CEPA would mark the beginning of a new chapter in UAE–Nigeria relations, fostering sustainable economic growth and long-term cooperation.
