Abu Dhabi – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates, a move expected to strengthen trade and investment ties between the two nations.
In a post on X on Tuesday, Tinubu disclosed that the agreement was signed during his attendance at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, following the invitation of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The president said he witnessed the signing alongside the UAE leader.
According to Tinubu, the agreement is the result of sustained negotiations led by Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, and the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi.
“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,” Tinubu wrote.
He explained that the partnership grants duty-free access for thousands of Nigerian products into the UAE market, expands opportunities for exporters, manufacturers, and service providers, and provides clearer investment confidence for UAE investors in Nigeria’s productive economy.
Tinubu added that the agreement also supports Nigeria’s industrialization and economic diversification goals, while strengthening the country’s position as a gateway for trade and investment into Africa.
“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,” he said.
The president described the pact as part of Nigeria’s ongoing economic reform efforts, aimed at delivering long-term benefits for both countries. “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,” he added.
