UAE-Nigeria Trade Deal Boosts Non-Oil Commerce

The UAE and Nigeria have reached a milestone by signing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Non-oil trade between these nations has hit $4.3 billion in 2024. This landmark deal marks a strategic leap in their economic ties, with trade volumes surging by more than 55 percent from the previous year.

Trade relations between UAE and Nigeria continue to flourish. The first nine months of 2025 saw approximately $3.1 billion in trade, which confirms the rapid growth momentum. This UAE trade deal offers more than just commercial advantages. The partnership paves the way to boost supply chains and stimulate public-private cooperation. Small and medium-sized enterprises seeking global expansion will receive vital support.

Nigeria’s partnership with UAE takes another step forward as both nations prepare to co-host Investopia in February. This strategic initiative aims to draw global investors and accelerate eco-friendly investment flows into the country. Recent economic indicators show Nigeria’s progress with a 21 percent rise in non-oil exports. Capital importation has increased alongside over $50 billion in investment commitments across key sectors. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, and Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, signed this CEPA to begin a new era of economic cooperation between their nations.

UAE signs trade deal with Nigeria to deepen economic ties

The UAE and Nigeria signed a landmark trade deal during a historic ceremony in Abu Dhabi. UAE President Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu attended the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week [7, 11].

Sheik Mohamed called the agreement “a landmark development in UAE-Nigeria relations” that shows UAE’s dedication to building stronger global trade partnerships. President Tinubu highlighted how this deal would create new opportunities for economic cooperation and help achieve both nations’ development goals.

The agreement will remove tariffs from over 13,500 products traded between both countries. This reduction in trade barriers will substantially boost investment flows and create opportunities in key sectors like technology, agriculture, precious metals, and energy.

The deal has a dedicated Rules of Origin chapter that ensures tariff benefits apply only to goods produced in Nigeria or the UAE. This measure strengthens trade integrity and builds investor confidence. The agreement also tackles obstacles that previously limited UAE’s investment in Nigeria. The African nation now stands as an attractive destination for international investors looking to access the ECOWAS sub-region and African Continental Free Trade Area market.

The partnership goes beyond immediate business benefits. It aims to strengthen public and private sector cooperation, improve supply chains, and equip small and medium enterprises to grow globally.

CEPA boosts non-oil trade and investment flows

Trade between the UAE and Nigeria has grown remarkably outside the oil sector. The numbers reached AED 15.79 billion in 2024, showing a significant 55.3% jump from 2023. This momentum continues strong in 2025, with trade reaching AED 11.38 billion during the first nine months. Both nations have deepened their economic bonds steadily.

The new CEPA will accelerate this growth through specific economic measures. The agreement removes trade barriers and cuts tariffs to boost cross-border investments. Nigerian exporters can now access UAE markets without duties for more than 7,000 products. These include agricultural goods, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and other essential commodities.

Nigerian businesses stand to gain better market access in several growing sectors. Technology, agriculture, precious metals, and energy lead the way. Small and medium enterprises receive special attention in this agreement that helps them reach global markets.

This partnership fits perfectly with UAE’s CEPA program that wants to push non-oil foreign trade to AED 4.04 trillion by 2031. The program has already shown results in 2024 with record non-oil trade of AED 2974.27 billion, marking a 14% rise from the previous year.

Business professionals from Nigeria can now visit UAE for up to 90 days within a 12-month period. This comprehensive partnership goes beyond just trade benefits. It promotes economic diversity for both countries while building stronger supply chains and better cooperation between public and private sectors.

UAE trade deal with Nigeria aligns with global strategy

The partnership between Nigeria and UAE serves as the life-blood of Emirates’ broader economic diversification blueprint. UAE’s aggressive CEPA program has finalized 32 trade deals globally, with 14 already in force. These agreements help UAE accelerate toward its goal to boost non-oil foreign trade to AED 4.04 trillion by 2031.

UAE is set to achieve this ambitious target about four years ahead of schedule, as confirmed by His Highness Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The first-quarter data from 2025 reveals UAE’s non-oil foreign trade has reached AED 835 billion. This is a big deal as it means that the 18.6% year-on-year growth surpasses the global average of 2-3%.

The CEPA with Nigeria strengthens UAE’s presence in resource-rich West Africa, where the region actively seeks strategic foreign direct investment. Nigeria now serves as a gateway for UAE investors who target the African Continental Free Trade Area’s 1.4 billion-person market.

UAE’s strategic focus becomes evident through projects like the AED 67.93 billion Centenary City smart project in Abuja—a strategic collaboration between UAE-based Front Range Developers and Nigeria’s Centenary City Plc. The CEPA proves its worth by potentially increasing UAE’s GDP by AED 8.81 billion by 2032, which arranges perfectly with the nation’s long-term trade strategy.

The UAE and Nigeria’s historic CEPA agreement opens a new chapter in their bilateral relations. Trade numbers tell an impressive story. Non-oil commerce reached $4.3 billion in 2024, showing a remarkable 55 percent growth from previous years. The momentum keeps building, with $3.1 billion in trade recorded in just the first nine months of 2025.

This agreement brings substantial benefits to both countries. Nigerian businesses can now export over 13,500 products to UAE markets without tariffs, especially agricultural goods, pharmaceuticals, and other key items. UAE companies gain direct access to Africa’s largest economy and can easily reach the broader ECOWAS region and African Continental Free Trade Area.

The deal removes old barriers that used to slow down investment flows. Small and medium businesses from both countries can now expand globally with less hassle. Business visitors can stay longer in the UAE, which strengthens these commercial ties even more.

This partnership fits perfectly with UAE’s goal to boost non-oil foreign trade to AED 4.04 trillion by 2031. Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presence at the signing ceremony shows both nations’ strong commitment to this economic alliance.

The partnership promises to add AED 8.81 billion to UAE’s GDP by 2032, showing its long-term value. All the same, its real impact lies in both countries’ shared vision for economic diversity and sustainable growth. This collaboration builds strong foundations for future work in technology, agriculture, precious metals, energy, and many other sectors that will reshape both nations’ economies for years to come.