The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) described the deal as a strategic milestone that aligns closely with Nigeria’s long-term development objectives, particularly its ambition to build a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
The agreement, signed recently by Nigeria and the UAE, is designed to eliminate tariffs on more than 7,000 products, easing access to markets on both sides. Under the deal, a wide range of Nigerian agricultural and industrial products—including fish, seafood, oil seeds, cereals, cotton, pharmaceuticals and chemicals—will enter the UAE market duty-free. In addition, the UAE is expected to phase out tariffs over the next three to five years on Nigerian exports such as machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, apparel and furniture. Nigeria, in turn, will remove tariffs on around 6,000 products.
CEPA was formalised during the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit, in the presence of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. President Tinubu described the agreement as “historic and strategic,” noting that it would deepen cooperation between both countries in areas such as aviation, logistics, agriculture and climate-smart infrastructure.
In a statement, NACCIMA said the agreement directly supports the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda by strengthening trade expansion, attracting investment, promoting industrial growth and enhancing private-sector-led productivity. The association said these pillars are central to Nigeria’s broader economic aspirations.
According to NACCIMA, the CEPA will expand market access for Nigerian goods and services, improve investor confidence and provide a predictable framework for increased capital inflows. It also noted that the agreement is expected to support value-chain integration and enterprise development across key sectors, including manufacturing, agribusiness, infrastructure, finance, logistics, services and the digital economy.
The business group added that the deal creates a strong platform for closer collaboration between Nigerian companies, UAE investors and public institutions, helping to scale production, boost exports, create jobs and improve competitiveness.
NACCIMA further highlighted that the agreement strengthens Nigeria’s position as an attractive investment destination and reinforces its role as a gateway to the ECOWAS sub-region and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), potentially opening wider regional and global market opportunities for businesses operating from Nigeria.