WES 2025: Nigeria, Benin Republic Fine-WNEWORK for Economic Cooperation

WES 2025: Nigeria, Benin Republic Fine-WNEWORK for Economic Cooperation

… as Odumegwu-Ojukwu saves the vision of President Tinubu

Cotonou (Core Reporter) Nigeria and the Republic of Benin began the process of operating the economic cooperation agreement that signed during the recently held economic summit of West Africa (WES).

Both countries had regional economic summit inaugural in June 2025, in Abuja, signed the memorandum of understanding.

In a meeting of two days of officials in both countries to develop the framework for the implementation of the economic cooperation agreement held from 1 to 2 August, in Cotonou, in the Republic of Benin, the Minister of State of Nigeria for foreign affairs, the white ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said that the move was in line with the objectives of the economic community of the western states of the western states (Ecowas).

The minister praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his foresight in conceptualizing the summit as a catalyst for the economic growth of the region.

He described the bilateral commitment as timely, underlining that the two countries were linked not only by geography, but for centuries of shared history, family ties, culture, trade and vibrant commercial activities.

The Minister on behalf of the government and the people of Nigeria, also congratulated the Republic of Benin for his 65th anniversary of independence, noting that he was adapting the important dialogue in a moment of national pride and reflection for the country.

He said that over the years, bilateral relationships between the two neighbors of West Africa had grown from informal interactions to a structured and strategic partnership, but not without challenges, which took place from traffic and a smuggling to larger cross -border crimes.

Regardless of this, he said that both countries had always found solutions every time they combined sincerity and determination.

“Our shared successes affirm a truth that we must never lose sight of: that cooperation, not conflict; dialogue, not suspicion, remains our best tools to overcome obstacles,” said the minister.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu declared that the visit of the Nigerian delegation was not only a technical conversation but a symbolic and political commitment.

According to the minister, it was a commitment to the Nigerian people and for the ideals of economic development, peace and stability.

Therefore, both countries must be guided by a shared vision and mutual trust while trying to build a resilient and sustainable commercial corridor between their nations.

Continuing, the minister said: “The frequency and depth of our commitments at the highest political levels underline the strategic nature of our relationship. The recent efforts of the presidents Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Patrice Talon have shown in particular the management of the Vigemive, in particular the Vigelettes. By guiding this partnership forward. We are the same people. Coaggiously that the discussions we have had since 31 July are an extension of that declaration and vision.

“The bilateral meetings held during this visit and those that we will continue to have, offer another opportunity for us to deepen our dialogues and rely on the earnings made through various mechanisms; whether it is the Committee for facilitating the exchanges, related work groups or recent plot steps.

“It is important that we work together to ensure that the policies and procedures on both sides of the border promote legitimate trade, encourage investments and enhance our entrepreneurial communities. We continue to align our customs and transit framework, we simplify the bottles and strengthen the bottles and reinforce our joint commitment for the regional integration under the Ecowas and the area of the free trademark of African (Afffa).

For its part, the Minister of the Nigeria, Commerce and Investment Minister, Jumoke Oduwole, who presented the resolutions during the meeting noted that economic cooperation would have covered four thematic areas including trading services and private sector commitments, market access, customs procedures and commercial facilitation, transport infrastructure and storage space. Technical working groups are expected to delibe with these areas and will present reports to Abuja in the coming weeks.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Benin, Mr. Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, said that his country was committed to supporting excellent mutually advantageous relations with Nigeria.

The Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Republic of Benin, Mrs. Shadiya Alimatou Assouman, General Manager of Customs, the General Controller of Nigeria Customs Service, Adeniyi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Investment, Amb. Nura Abba Rimi, director of the Department of Affairs in Africa in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nigeria, Amb. Regina Ocheni, director, office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Innocent Iwejuo and members of the Technical Committee, as well as members of both delegations, participated in the meetings.