FG Grants Nigerian Professionals 90-Day Access to UAE Market

The Federal Government has announced that Nigerian business visitors can stay in the United Arab Emirates for up to 90 days within a 12-month period, while intra-corporate transferees from Nigerian companies—including managers, executives, and specialists—can live and work in the UAE for a renewable three-year term.

These provisions are part of the Nigeria–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed on 13 January 2026, which aims to expand market access for Nigerian products, businesses, and professionals, while encouraging increased investment flows between the two countries.

In a statement, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment explained that the CEPA establishes a framework for mutual market access in services trade and sets clearer rules for the commercial presence of companies and the movement of professionals.

Under the agreement, Nigerian business visitors can enter the UAE for 90 days per year, while intra-corporate transferees of Nigerian firms can stay for a renewable three-year period. Similarly, the UAE will allow entry for its professionals in line with Nigeria’s immigration regulations.

The CEPA allows Nigerian companies to establish operations in the UAE through subsidiaries, branches, representative offices, or companies, while UAE service providers can also operate in Nigeria, subject to local laws and regulations. Services commitments cover 10 sectors from Nigeria and 11 sectors from the UAE, with market access for 99 Nigerian services and 108 UAE services.

For Nigerian firms, opportunities in the UAE include tourism and travel-related services, such as hotels, restaurants, hotel management, and tourist guides. Creative and media services, including film production, digital media, entertainment, news agencies, and creative agencies, will be permitted, particularly within Dubai Media City. Professional services include legal consultancy on international law, accounting, auditing, taxation (excluding Zakat), architecture, engineering, urban planning, medical, dental, veterinary services, advertising, management consulting, and software development. Nigerian financial service providers can operate within the Dubai International Financial Centre, covering investment, corporate and private banking, capital markets, asset management, insurance, and reinsurance.

In Nigeria, the CEPA opens the market to UAE service providers in financial services, health and environmental services, professional services, distribution, recreation, culture, sports, audiovisual services, telecommunications, and construction-related engineering services. All services and market access commitments are subject to relevant licensing, regulations, and certification requirements in both countries.

Beyond services trade, Nigeria has removed tariffs on 6,243 UAE-imported products, while the UAE has eliminated tariffs on 7,315 Nigerian products under the pact. The agreement is expected to enhance market access for Nigerian goods, businesses, and professionals, while supporting investment flows and contributing to Nigeria’s non-oil export drive and economic diversification agenda.

The CEPA was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, and the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, in the presence of President Bola Tinubu and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The ministry described the agreement as a comprehensive and practical pact expected to bring significant economic and strategic benefits, including expanded trade, improved market access, increased investment, and job creation, particularly for young Nigerians.