Abu dhabi: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, attended the signing ceremony of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Nigeria. The agreement marks the beginning of increased trade and investment between the two countries.
According to Emirates News Agency, the agreement reflects the UAE's commitment to enhancing global trade relations with nations worldwide, aiming to unlock new economic opportunities and broader development. President Tinubu highlighted the CEPA's role in fostering economic and trade cooperation, reinforcing Nigeria's dedication to mutual development goals.
The signing was conducted by His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, and Her Excellency Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria's Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. The CEPA aims to reduce tariffs, eliminate trade barriers, and boost investment in sectors such as technology, agriculture, precious metals, and energy. It also seeks to enhance public and private sector collaboration, strengthen supply chains, and empower SMEs.
The agreement is a significant addition to the UAE's foreign trade strategy, marking a new phase in the economic partnership between the two nations. In 2024, bilateral non-oil trade reached US$4.3 billion, a 55.3 percent increase from 2023, reflecting a strong commitment to economic growth. In the first nine months of 2025, trade amounted to US$3.1 billion, further solidifying the partnership.
The UAE aims to leverage its strategic position as a global trade hub to deepen its relationship with Nigeria, one of Africa's largest and fastest-growing economies. The CEPA programme is a key element of the UAE's foreign trade agenda, with a goal to boost non-oil foreign trade to US$1.1 trillion by 2031. In 2024, the programme contributed to a record non-oil trade figure of US$810 billion.
With 32 agreements concluded and 14 in effect, the CEPA programme underscores the UAE's commitment to open, rules-based international trade, fostering economic growth, diversification, and opportunities for businesses in high-growth markets globally.