The Federal Government has announced that Nigerian business visitors can enter the United Arab Emirates for up to 90 days within a 12-month period, while intra-corporate transferees of Nigerian companies, including managers, executives and specialists, can reside and work in the UAE for a renewable three-year period.
The new entry provisions form part of the Nigeria–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement signed on 13 January 2026 to expand market access opportunities for Nigerian products, businesses and professionals, while facilitating increased investment flows between both countries.
In a statement on the agreement issued by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the government explained that the CEPA establishes a framework for mutual market access in services trade and provides clearer rules for the commercial presence of firms and the movement of professionals.
According to the ministry, under the movement of professionals pillar, “Nigerian business visitors can enter the UAE for 90 days in a 12-month period,” while “intra-corporate transferees of Nigerian businesses (managers, executives and specialists) can enter the UAE for a renewable three-year period.”
It added that Nigeria will also permit the entry of UAE professionals in line with its immigration regulations.
The ministry said the agreement allows Nigerian businesses to establish operations in the UAE through “companies, branches, subsidiaries and representative offices”, while UAE service providers can also establish in Nigeria, subject to Nigerian laws and regulations.
It disclosed that the services commitments cover 10 Nigerian sectors and 11 UAE sectors, with market access for 99 specific services from Nigeria and 108 services from the UAE.
Highlighting opportunities for Nigerian firms and professionals in the UAE, the ministry listed tourism and travel-related services, including four- and five-star hotels, restaurants, hotel management and tourist guide services.
It said Nigerian players will also access opportunities in creative industries and media services such as entertainment, news agency services, film production, digital media and creative agencies, with operations permitted within Dubai Media City.
In professional services, the agreement covers legal services limited to consultancy on international law, accounting, auditing and taxation excluding Zakat, as well as architecture, engineering, urban planning, medical, dental and veterinary services, advertising, management consulting and software development.
The ministry added that Nigerian financial service providers can operate within the Dubai International Financial Centre in areas including investment, corporate and private banking, capital markets, asset management, insurance and reinsurance.
On the Nigerian side, the CEPA opens the market to UAE service providers in sectors such as financial services, including banking, payments, money transmission and insurance; health and environmental services; professional services such as engineering and urban planning; distribution services; and recreational, cultural and sporting services.
It also covers audiovisual services, telecommunications, and construction and related engineering services.
“All services commitments and market access provisions are subject to the relevant laws, regulations, licensing and certification requirements of Nigeria and the UAE,” the ministry stated.
Beyond services trade, the Federal Government recalled that Nigeria has eliminated tariffs on 6,243 products imported from the UAE, while the UAE has removed tariffs on 7,315 products imported from Nigeria under the pact.
The ministry stated that the agreement will “expand market access opportunities for Nigerian products, businesses, and professionals into the UAE while facilitating investment flows,” describing it as a key boost to Nigeria’s non-oil export drive and economic diversification agenda.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, and the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, signed the CEPA in the presence of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, and the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The ministry described the pact as “a pragmatic and comprehensive agreement expected to deliver significant economic and strategic benefits”, including expanded trade opportunities, improved market access, increased investment inflows and job creation, particularly for young Nigerians.
