Nigeria, UAE seal Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
Abdullateef Fowewe
President Bola Tinubu has witnessed the historic signing of the Nigeria-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) today in Abu Dhabi, at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.
The ceremony took place during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, marking a major step in bilateral economic ties.
Tinubu in a statement on Tuesday praised the deal as the fruit of “sustained and disciplined work led by Minister Dr Jumoke Oduwole for Nigeria and by Minister Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi for the UAE.”
He commended both ministers and their teams “for the seriousness and clarity that brought these negotiations to a conclusion.”
The agreement according to him delivers tangible benefits for Nigeria, including “duty-free access for thousands of Nigerian products into the UAE,” which expands opportunities for Nigerian exporters, manufacturers, and service providers.
It also boosts investor confidence, supporting Nigeria’s industrialization and diversification goals while positioning the country as “a gateway for trade and investment into Africa.”
“This is the work of economic reform, purposeful engagement and measured partnerships,” Tinubu stated.
“The outcomes will serve Nigeria’s long-term national interest.”
The president concluded with optimism, “May the renewed relationship between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates continue to yield sustained dividends for both nations and our peoples.”
