Nigeria–UAE Trade Pact Will Accelerate Non-Oil Growth -TSF
The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) says the signing of the Nigeria–United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will strengthen Nigeria’s non-oil sector.
This is contained in a statement jointly signed by TSF Chairman, Ahmad Sajoh, and Secretary, Danjuma Sada, on Monday in Abuja.
The forum said the agreement aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by prioritising export diversification, private-sector growth and sustainable job creation.
Under the CEPA, TSF noted that 7,315 Nigerian products will enjoy preferential, duty-free access to the UAE market. It said 2,805 products, representing 38.3 per cent, will receive immediate tariff elimination.
Tariffs on 1,468 products will be removed within three years, while 3,042 products will enjoy tariff elimination within five years.
TSF described the scale of market access as one of the most expansive trade openings secured by Nigeria in recent years. It said the agreement provides a clear pathway for accelerating non-oil exports and reducing dependence on hydrocarbons.
The forum noted that the timing of the CEPA is significant, given the growing dominance of Nigeria’s non-oil economy. According to TSF, non-oil sectors now account for about 96 per cent of national Gross Domestic Product.
It said agriculture, manufacturing, services and the digital economy are increasingly driving economic growth. The group added that recent data showed average non-oil growth of about 3.9 per cent.
It said agriculture grew by nearly 3.8 per cent, services by over four per cent and ICT by close to six per cent. TSF said the CEPA directly supports this trajectory by expanding market access for Nigerian producers.
It said agricultural exports such as fish, seafood, cocoa, grains, spices, cotton, fruits and nuts would benefit. According to the forum, this will strengthen value chains, boost rural incomes and enhance agro-processing.
TSF said manufacturers in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, paper products, footwear, furniture and ceramics would also gain. It said phased tariff elimination would improve competitiveness and encourage value-added industrial production.
The forum added that the apparel and textile sector is positioned to scale exports as tariffs on garments are removed.
Beyond goods, TSF said the agreement opens significant opportunities in the services sector.
It said Nigerian professionals in ICT, creative industries, finance, tourism, engineering, consulting and healthcare stand to benefit.
The group noted that Nigeria’s non-oil export earnings rose to about 5.46 billion dollars in 2024. It said exports continued to grow in 2025, with over 3.2 billion dollars recorded in the first half of the year.
TSF said the CEPA would build on this momentum by providing access to a stable, high-value market. It also highlighted the agreement’s broader diplomatic and strategic importance.
According to the forum, the CEPA signals renewed engagement between Nigeria and the UAE based on long-term partnership.
It urged Nigerian businesses and professionals to proactively position for opportunities under the agreement. TSF said effective implementation could make the CEPA a catalyst for non-oil growth and inclusive economic transformation.
