Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have begun formal steps to implement the economic cooperation agreement signed during the inaugural West Africa Economic Summit held in Abuja in June.
This development emerged after a two-day bilateral meeting between officials of both countries from August 1–2 in Cotonou, aimed at outlining the framework for economic collaboration.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described the move as aligning with the broader objectives of regional integration championed by the Economic Community of West African States.
Odumegu-Ojukwu, in a statement signed by her media aide, Magnus Eze, on Sunday, commended President Bola Tinubu’s leadership in conceptualising the summit, stating that it is already producing tangible outcomes for regional cooperation.
The minister described the bilateral engagement as timely, emphasising that the two countries were bound not only by geography, but by centuries of shared history, familial ties, culture, commerce and vibrant commercial activity.
According to the statement, Odumegwu-Ojukwu also congratulated Benin on its 65th Independence anniversary, noting that it was fitting that the dialogue was taking place during a moment of national pride.
She stated that the bilateral relationship had evolved over the years. However, she noted that cooperation had remained a constant in addressing shared challenges.
“Our shared successes affirm a truth we must never lose sight of: that cooperation, not conflict; dialogue, not suspicion, remain our best tools for overcoming obstacles,” the minister said.
According to her, the visit of the Nigerian delegation was more than just technical discussions.
She also highlighted the increasing frequency of high-level engagement between the two countries, saying, “The frequency and depth of our engagements at the highest political levels underscore the strategic nature of our relationship.
“The frequency and depth of our engagements at the highest political levels underscore the strategic nature of our relationship. The recent efforts of Presidents Bola Tinubu and Patrice Talon to recalibrate our bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade and border management, demonstrate a shared political will to resolve longstanding issues and usher in a new era of mutual prosperity.
“Both Presidents have shown remarkable leadership in guiding this partnership forward. Their engagements, particularly at the West Africa Economic Summit, have reaffirmed the mutual desire to build a future anchored in trade, security, and economic transformation,” she noted.
Referencing Tinubu’s remarks at the WAES, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said, “You would recall the words of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who at the Summit said, ‘Nigeria and Benin are more than twins. We are the same people. Let us show the region that integration is possible.’ I can boldly affirm that the discussions we’ve had from the 31st of July are an extension of that statement and vision.”
She continued, “The bilateral meetings held in the course of this visit and the ones we will continue to have, offer yet another opportunity for us to deepen our dialogue and build on the gains made through various mechanisms; be it the Trade Facilitation Committee, the Joint Customs Working Groups, or the recent strides made in cross-border trade harmonization. We must seize this momentum to find practical and forward-looking solutions to the challenges that continue to constrain our trade and economic cooperation.
“It is important that we work together to ensure that policies and procedures on both sides of the border promote legitimate trade, encourage investment, and empower our business communities. Let us continue to align our customs and transit frameworks, streamline bottlenecks, and reinforce our joint commitment to regional integration under ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).”
On her part, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, who presented the resolutions at the meeting, noted that the economic cooperation would cover four thematic areas, including trading services and private sector engagements, market access, customs procedures and trade facilitation, transport infrastructure and storage. Technical working groups are expected to deliberate on these areas and submit reports in Abuja in the coming weeks.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Benin, Olushegun Bakari, said his country was committed to sustaining excellent mutually beneficial relations with Nigeria.
