Shettima Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment to Stronger Benin Ties at Presidential Inauguration
Shettima Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment to Stronger Benin Ties at Presidential Inauguration
Shettima Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment to Stronger Benin Ties at Presidential Inauguration
Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and deepening strategic cooperation with the Republic of Benin to sustain economic growth, democratic stability and regional integration in West Africa.
Shettima made the remarks on Sunday in Cotonou, the capital of Benin Republic, while representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration ceremony of President Romuald Wadagni at the Presidential Palace.
The Vice President said the Tinubu administration considers Nigeria’s relationship with Benin Republic crucial to regional peace, economic development and democratic progress within the ECOWAS sub-region.
“Our presence here in Cotonou underlines President Tinubu’s unwavering, deep-seated commitment to strengthening ties with our neighbours,” he stated.
Shettima described the bond between both countries as one built on shared history, culture and economic interdependence that predates modern 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,” he said.
He noted that both countries share longstanding social and ethnic connections, adding that cooperation remains essential for sustaining regional unity and prosperity.
According to the Vice President, trade between Nigeria and Benin Republic is estimated at about $2 billion annually, while approximately five million Nigerians currently reside in Benin Republic.
He disclosed that both nations have expanded cooperation in key sectors including border security, trade facilitation, infrastructure development and grassroots governance under regional integration initiatives.
Shettima recalled that in August last year, Nigeria and Benin signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation among local governments, traditional institutions and border communities to tackle cross-border crimes and improve socio-economic activities.
He noted that the agreement had enhanced commercial activities, agriculture, infrastructure development and security coordination in border communities including Seme, Igbokofi and Ilara.
The Vice President further highlighted ongoing implementation of regional trade frameworks under the Economic Community of West African States aimed at improving business opportunities and deepening 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.
Shettima stressed that both nations must continue working together to promote peace, democratic governance and collective prosperity across the West African region.
Shettima Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment to Stronger Benin Ties at Presidential Inauguration
