By mercy Peter
Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have commenced implementation talks on the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding, which aimed at fostering economic cooperation between both countries.
Nigeria officials led by the Minister of States for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu,
were in Cotonou, Benin Republic for the commencement of framework discussions to operationalize the cooperation agreement.
The agreement, which was signed at the maiden West Africa Economic Summit (WAES) held in Abuja in June 2025, was the focus of a high-level technical meeting hosted in Cotonou from August 1–2, a statement by the media aide to the Minister, Magnus Eze disclosed.
The statement further stated that the two-day session brought together senior government officials, customs authorities, trade representatives, and diplomatic envoys from both countries to fine-tune implementation strategies.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said that the initiative was in alignment with the broader vision of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for deeper regional cooperation.
“She praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his foresight in initiating the summit and driving meaningful regional partnerships.
“The frequency and depth of our engagements at the highest political levels underscore the strategic nature of our relationship.
“Nigeria and Benin are bound not only by geography but by centuries of shared history, familial ties, and dynamic trade relations.”
The statement further reads: “The Minister commended the timing of the talks, which coincided with Benin’s 65th Independence Anniversary, calling it a moment of national reflection that offered a symbolic backdrop for the renewed economic dialogue.
“Acknowledging the long-standing challenges in Nigeria-Benin relations including trafficking, smuggling, and other cross-border crimes Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized the importance of trust and political will in overcoming these issues.
“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 said, stressing that the visit and dialogue represented not just technical discussions, but a political and symbolic commitment to peace, trade, and prosperity.
“She added that both countries were working toward building a resilient and sustainable trade corridor, anchored in mutual trust and regional integration goals, particularly under ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Presenting the resolutions of the meeting, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, revealed that the cooperation would focus on four thematic areas: trading services and private sector engagement, market access, customs procedures and trade facilitation, and transport infrastructure and storage.
“Benin’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to fostering a sustainable and mutually beneficial relationship with Nigeria, while Mrs. Shadiya Alimatou Assouman, Benin’s Minister of Industry and Trade, also pledged full support for the joint agenda.
“The meeting featured participation from several top officials, including the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi; Amb. Nura Abba Rimi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment; Amb. Regina Ocheni, Director of Africa Affairs at Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Amb. Innocent Iwejuo, Director, Office of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
“The event marked a significant milestone in Nigeria and Benin’s efforts to move beyond informal cross-border engagements and institutionalize a strategic, structured partnership for economic transformation in West Africa”.
