Nigeria, Benin Deepen Ties With Economic Cooperation Framework
Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have taken a significant step towards deepening bilateral trade and regional integration, following a two-day high-level meeting in Cotonou to operationalise the economic cooperation agreement signed at the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES) in Abuja.
The meeting, brought together top officials from both countries to fine-tune strategies for boosting trade, improving customs procedures, and enhancing cross-border infrastructure.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described the engagement as both timely and symbolic, highlighting shared history, cultural ties, and economic potential between the two West African neighbours.
“President Tinubu’s vision for regional integration is already bearing fruit,” she said. “This engagement is not just technical; it’s a political commitment to peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.”
Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended Presidents Bola Tinubu and Patrice Talon for their leadership, citing their joint push to resolve longstanding trade and border issues.
She reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to align policies that promote investment, streamline customs procedures, and support ECOWAS and AfCFTA goals.
Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, revealed that four priority areas—market access, trade facilitation, private sector engagement, and transport infrastructure would form the backbone of the cooperation.
Technical teams from both countries are expected to present progress reports in Abuja soon.
Benin’s Foreign Minister, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, and Trade Minister, Shadiya Alimatou Assouman, also pledged continued collaboration, alongside key officials including Nigeria’s Customs Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi and senior diplomats.
The partnership signals a fresh chapter in Nigeria-Benin relations, driven by mutual trust and a shared commitment to regional growth.
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