The Federal Government has signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) aimed at removing tariffs on selected products and boosting trade between both countries.
A member of the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Rep. Sam Onuigbo, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to Onuigbo, the agreement represents a major breakthrough for Nigeria’s economic diplomacy, describing CEPA as the “game changer” achieved in Abu Dhabi.
He explained that the agreement was signed during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, which held from January 11 to 15, and marked a significant step in deepening bilateral economic relations between Nigeria and the UAE.
Onuigbo noted that the removal of tariffs on some products would enhance market access for Nigerian goods, stimulate investment flows and create new opportunities for local businesses.
He added that the partnership aligns with Nigeria’s broader economic diversification agenda and efforts to strengthen international trade ties, particularly in areas linked to sustainability, clean energy and climate-related investments.
Onuigbo previously served as a member of the House of Representatives, where he represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency.
He also served as Chairman of the House Committee on Climate Change during the 8th Assembly, a role in which he championed policies promoting sustainable development and environmental resilience.
The CEPA, he said, is expected to position Nigeria more competitively in the global market while opening new economic pathways through strategic collaboration with the UAE.
