Nigeria–UAE CEPA Will Accelerate Non-Oil Growth, Strengthen Strategic Economic Partnership — TSF

Nigeria–UAE CEPA Will Accelerate Non-Oil Growth, Strengthen Strategic Economic Partnership — TSF

The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) has hailed the signing of the Nigeria–United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), describing it as a decisive policy action that will significantly boost Nigeria’s non-oil economy and deepen the nation’s strategic ties with the UAE.

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Ahmad Sajoh, and Secretary, Danjuma Sada, the Forum said the pact aligns fully with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, especially its focus on export diversification, private-sector expansion, and sustainable job creation.

According to TSF, 7,315 Nigerian products will now enjoy preferential, duty-free access to the UAE market. Of this number, 2,805 products (38.3%) will be tariff-free immediately, while tariffs on 1,468 products will be eliminated within three years and a further 3,042 products within five years.

TSF described this as “one of the most expansive market access opportunities Nigeria has secured in recent years,” providing a concrete pathway to accelerate non-oil exports.

The group noted that the agreement comes at a time when the non-oil sector has become the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, now contributing about 96% of the national GDP. In recent quarters, the sector recorded average growth of 3.9%, driven by agriculture (3.8%), services (over 4%), and ICT (nearly 6%).

Benefits Across Key Sectors

The Forum emphasised that CEPA will unlock substantial gains for agricultural producers exporting fish, seafood, cocoa, grains, spices, cotton, fruits, and nuts, thereby strengthening value chains and raising rural incomes.

Manufacturers in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, footwear, furniture, paper products, ceramics, and other industrial goods will also benefit from immediate or phased tariff elimination, improving competitiveness and driving value-added production.

It added that the apparel and textile industry—one of Nigeria’s biggest employers—stands to scale exports significantly as tariffs on garments and fabrics are progressively removed.

Opening the Door for Services and Digital Exports

Beyond physical goods, the CEPA expands opportunities for Nigerian firms and professionals in ICT, creative industries, finance, engineering, media, consulting, healthcare, architecture, and tourism.

These provisions strengthen Nigeria’s ability to export services, establish commercial presence abroad, and participate more competitively in global value chains—especially in the fast-growing digital and creative economy.

TSF noted that Nigeria’s non-oil export receipts climbed to $5.46 billion in 2024, a 20.8% increase year-on-year, and continued to rise in 2025 with over $3.2 billion recorded in H1 2025, nearly 20% higher than the same period a year earlier.

The group said the CEPA will further accelerate this momentum by providing exporters with stable market access and attracting new investment inflows.

A New Phase in Nigeria–UAE Diplomatic and Economic Ties

TSF highlighted the wider diplomatic significance of the agreement, describing it as a renewed phase of engagement between both nations anchored in mutual economic interest, confidence, and long-term strategic partnership.

“The CEPA reinforces Nigeria’s profile as a credible investment destination and a gateway to the ECOWAS region and the broader African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” the Forum stated.

The group urged Nigerian businesses, exporters, and professionals to position themselves early to maximise the opportunities embedded in the agreement.

With effective implementation and strong private-sector participation, TSF affirmed that the Nigeria–UAE CEPA could become a major catalyst for non-oil growth, industrial expansion, enhanced export earnings, and inclusive economic transformation.