Amanze Chinonye
Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a deal aimed at deepening trade, investment and economic cooperation between both countries, Prime Business Africa reports.
The agreement was signed in Abu Dhabi during the ongoing Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, in the presence of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and UAE President, His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
President Tinubu, who attended the event at the invitation of the UAE leader, said the agreement was the outcome of “sustained and disciplined work” by both governments. He commended Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, and the UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, for successfully concluding the negotiations.
Join our WhatsApp Channel
According to President Tinubu, the CEPA will grant duty-free access to thousands of Nigerian products entering the UAE market, while expanding opportunities for Nigerian exporters, manufacturers and service providers. He added that the agreement would also boost investor confidence among UAE businesses looking to invest in Nigeria’s productive sectors.
“For Nigerians, this agreement is not abstract,” Tinubu said. “It supports our industrialisation and economic diversification objectives and strengthens Nigeria’s position as a gateway for trade and investment into Africa.”
He described the deal as part of his administration’s broader economic reform agenda, anchored on “purposeful engagement and measured partnerships,” noting that the outcomes would serve Nigeria’s long-term national interest.
READ ALSO : Tinubu Arrives Abu Dhabi Ahead of 2026 Sustainability Week Summit
In a statement on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, President Mohamed bin Zayed said the agreement reflects the UAE’s commitment to strengthening global partnerships and promoting shared prosperity.
“Today in Abu Dhabi, alongside President Bola Tinubu, I witnessed the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and Nigeria,” he wrote. “This agreement underscores the UAE’s determination to build lasting global partnerships and foster development and prosperity for generations to come.”
The Nigeria-UAE CEPA is expected to enhance bilateral trade flows, improve market access, and create a more predictable framework for investment, as both countries seek to deepen economic ties amid shifting global trade dynamics.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
