FG pushes for deeper Nigeria-Benin ties as trade hits $2bn

…Both countries share common destiny rooted in history, trade, regional security – Shettima 

…49-year old Romuald Wadagni sworn in as Benin president 

Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Sunday, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and a deeper strategic partnership with the Republic of Benin to sustain economic and democratic gains in the region.

The Vice President disclosed that trade relations between both nations currently hover around $2 billion annually, noting that approximately five million Nigerians reside in Benin Republic out of its estimated population of 15 million people.

This is just as he acknowledged that both nations share a common destiny rooted in history, culture, trade, and collective responsibility for regional security.

Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, in a statement, said on Sunday, said Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of President Romuald Wadagni, noted that the current Administration considers the Nigeria-Benin relationship “strategic to regional integration and democratic stability within West Africa.”

Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria at the inauguration ceremony held at the Presidential Palace, Shettima said Nigeria’s presence at the event reflected the President’s enduring commitment to solidarity and cooperation with neighbouring countries.

“Our presence here in Cotonou underlines President Tinubu’s unwavering, deep-seated commitment to strengthening ties with our neighbours,” he stated.

The Vice President described the relationship between Nigeria and Benin Republic as one built on centuries of social interaction, cultural affinity and economic interdependence that transcend political boundaries.

“Our border with the Benin Republic stretches across nearly 600 kilometres, spanning six Nigerian states, including Kebbi State. Our cultural and historical ties run deep—we intermarry, and our communities overlap.

“There are Yoruba people on this side of the border just as there are in Nigeria. Benin has a Borgu Province, while we have a Borgu Local Government Area in Niger State. We are essentially one people tied to a common destiny,” he said

He, therefore, called on both continue to work together in promoting democratic governance, peace and economic prosperity across the ECOWAS sub-region.

“Because of this, we must show solidarity, empathy and active support toward strengthening democracy in West Africa,” he added.

Shettima noted that Nigeria and Benin Republic had deepened cooperation in border security, grassroots governance, trade facilitation and infrastructure development as part of broader regional integration efforts under ECOWAS.

In August last year, both countries formalised grassroots cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening collaboration among local governments, traditional rulers and border communities to tackle cross-border crimes and improve socio-economic ties.

The agreement established direct cooperation between Nigerian border local government areas and neighbouring communities in Benin, particularly in border towns such as Seme, Igbokofi and Ilara.

This arrangement, the VP said, has contributed to improvements in commercial activities, agriculture, infrastructure and local security coordination, while opening new opportunities for businesses and residents operating across border communities.

He recalled that Nigeria and Benin are also implementing regional trade and economic frameworks under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and the Common External Tariff system aimed at improving the business environment and accelerating regional economic integration.

“As ECOWAS member States, both countries continue to uphold the protocol on free movement of persons, allowing citizens to stay within each other’s territories for up to 90 days without visa requirements,” he added.