Nigeria’s Minister of Trade and Industry has projected a $2.3 billion increase in bilateral trade over the next three years following the signing of a comprehensive economic cooperation deal with the United Arab Emirates. The agreement aims to expand investment and streamline customs procedures.
- Projected $2.3 billion increase in Nigeria-UAE trade over three years
- UAE investment commitment of $850 million in logistics and special economic zones
- 37% projected rise in Nigerian exports to UAE, especially agricultural products
- 45% reduction in import processing time through new customs protocols
- Duty-free access for 92% of Nigerian-manufactured goods under new trade terms
- Nigerian industrial sector index up 5.2% post-announcement
Nigeria’s Minister of Trade and Industry announced a significant expansion in economic ties with the UAE, forecasting a $2.3 billion growth in bilateral trade within three years. The agreement, formalized in Abu Dhabi on January 12, 2026, includes provisions for mutual investment in infrastructure, agro-processing, and renewable energy sectors. The deal builds on existing trade volumes, which reached $1.1 billion in 2024, with Nigerian exports of crude oil, sesame seeds, and cashew nuts expected to rise by 37% under the new framework. UAE partners, including DP World and Emaar Properties, have committed $850 million in direct investment to develop logistics hubs and special economic zones in Lagos and Port Harcourt. Customs cooperation protocols introduced under the agreement are expected to reduce import processing times by 45%, according to government estimates. Additionally, the UAE has agreed to grant duty-free access to 92% of Nigerian-manufactured goods, particularly textiles and processed foods, boosting export competitiveness. The impact is already being felt in Nigerian financial markets, with the Nigerian Stock Exchange’s industrial sector index rising 5.2% in the week following the announcement. Companies such as Dangote Group and Flour Mills of Nigeria are preparing joint ventures with UAE-based firms to scale production and export capacity.