On Wednesday, the President of Benin Republic, Patrice Talon, visited Nigerian President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja. The two leaders discussed ways to improve trade relations between their countries.
In a statement released by presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu acknowledged the lack of cooperation between Nigeria and Benin Republic, which he said had been hindering mutual development. He emphasized the importance of economic synergy between the two nations for West African economic prosperity.
Tinubu referred to Nigeria and Benin Republic as “conjoined twins held together at the hip” and called for common economic principles and priorities. He welcomed the economic programme being developed through inter-ministerial collaboration and pledged support for private sector interests to facilitate prosperity in both countries.
President Talon sought President Tinubu’s support on improving trade relations between their countries ahead of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Summit. He emphasized the importance of free movement of people and goods between Nigeria and Benin Republic.
Talon also highlighted the need for a revised investment programme that factors in all aspects of the Nigerian economy. He proposed the establishment of an inter-ministerial technical committee to prepare a draft document for their legislatures. Talon expressed readiness to sign an executive order to appoint members of the council to advance mutually beneficial cooperation across sectors.
The two leaders also discussed the issue of smuggling and coordination efforts to ensure the protection of each other’s interests as their economies integrate.