Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have taken a major step towards deepening regional integration with the commencement of the implementation phase of their Economic Cooperation Agreement. This follows a two-day bilateral meeting held from August 1 to 2 in Cotonou, aimed at outlining a strategic framework for actualizing the memorandum of understanding signed during the maiden West Africa Economic Summit (WAES).
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, led the Nigerian delegation and emphasized that the initiative aligns with the core objectives of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). She described the bilateral engagement as a historic and timely opportunity to strengthen long-standing ties rooted in shared history, culture, and commerce.
“The relationship between Nigeria and Benin is more than diplomatic—it is ancestral, economic, and cultural. We are not just neighbours; we are bound by destiny,” she said.
Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s foresight in conceptualizing the WAES, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that the summit had served as a powerful catalyst for meaningful dialogue and cross-border cooperation. She also congratulated the Republic of Benin on its 65th Independence anniversary, calling the timing of the meeting symbolic and significant.
While acknowledging past challenges in bilateral ties—including issues like smuggling and trans-border crime—the Minister stressed that consistent dialogue and mutual respect had always prevailed.
“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,” she stated.
The Minister underscored that the engagement was not merely a technical discussion, but a political commitment to advancing peace, trade, and sustainable economic growth across both nations. She praised the strategic leadership of both President Tinubu and President Patrice Talon, whose high-level diplomacy, especially during the WAES, has reinvigorated efforts to resolve persistent border and trade issues.
“The frequency and depth of our bilateral engagements show just how central this relationship is. This is a shared vision backed by action. We must now build on this momentum,” she affirmed.
Key highlights of the economic cooperation agreement include plans to create a resilient trade corridor through joint customs reforms, aligned border policies, and harmonized transit procedures. The deal also supports the broader goals of ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, presented the key resolutions of the meeting. She said the agreement would cover four thematic areas: trade in services and private sector partnerships, market access and facilitation, customs procedures, and infrastructure development. Technical working groups are expected to submit their recommendations in Abuja in the coming weeks.
Benin’s Foreign Minister, Mr. Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to sustaining a mutually beneficial partnership with Nigeria. His counterpart, Minister of Industry and Trade, Mrs. Shadiya Alimatou Assouman, also pledged full cooperation.
Top-level officials in attendance included Nigeria Customs Service Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Nura Abba Rimi; and senior diplomats from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
