Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have taken a significant step forward in enhancing bilateral cooperation with a new economic and cooperation agreement aimed at deepening trade, strengthening customs procedures, and boosting regional integration across West Africa.
The high-level engagements held in Cotonou, the capital of Benin, were the result of commitments made by both countries during the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES), hosted by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in June 2025.
Leading the Nigerian delegation, a senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the strategic importance of the meeting and the progress made in diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and Benin.
> “Our engagements reflect strong political will at the highest level, as demonstrated by the recent efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Patrice Talon,” the official stated, noting that both leaders have shown commitment to enhancing cooperation in trade and border management.
Key Government Officials Lead Negotiations
The Nigerian delegation included the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Dr. Adewale Adeniyi, both of whom led critical discussions during the two-day meeting.
The resulting agreement focuses on multiple pillars including:
Trade facilitation
Harmonization of customs procedures
Private sector engagement
Market access for trade in services
Infrastructure for storage and transport
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, while presenting the meeting’s resolutions, expressed optimism that the pact would simplify cross-border trade, enhance business opportunities for the private sector, and unlock new economic prospects for both nations.
In his remarks, Beninese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olushegun Bakari, reaffirmed Benin’s unwavering commitment to fostering mutually beneficial relations with Nigeria and to ensuring full implementation of the agreements.
Commitment to Customs Reform and Regional Growth
On his part, Dr. Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, pledged close collaboration with Benin’s customs authorities to resolve longstanding trade bottlenecks and streamline customs protocols for more efficient operations across the border.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the success of the West Africa Economic Summit as a visionary initiative of President Bola Tinubu, describing it as a vital catalyst for regional economic growth and a driver for broader integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The agreement marks a key milestone in Nigeria’s foreign economic diplomacy and underscores the country’s leadership in advancing sustainable trade across the sub-region.
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