In a decisive move to strengthen bilateral economic ties, the governments of Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have agreed to formalize a joint trade framework aimed at streamlining cross-border commerce, removing trade barriers, and unlocking regional economic growth.
This agreement was reached on Saturday during a high-level meeting held at the Ministère de l’Économie et des Finances in Cotonou, Benin.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, affirmed the agency’s commitment to implementing the outcomes of the newly developed framework, noting that a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is expected to be signed by the first quarter of 2026.
“What we have witnessed today is the culmination of intensive technical meetings between Nigeria and Benin Customs officials over the past 48 hours,” said Adeniyi.
“We’ve developed a joint framework that reflects our Presidents’ shared vision for economic growth.”
Adeniyi emphasized that the framework includes corridor-based trade solutions to facilitate transit and transhipment, particularly focusing on reducing bureaucratic obstacles that hinder small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“New trade corridors have been identified, and connectivity between our systems has already been activated. We’re determined to eliminate trade barriers affecting local businesses,” he added.
The meeting also featured Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mrs. Jumoke Oduwole, who hailed the agreement as a significant milestone in advancing regional trade integration and pushing Nigeria toward a more influential role in global commerce.
“This agreement signals strong political will from both countries to pursue a progressive and inclusive trade relationship,” she said.
“Our goal is to transition from being a regional trade player to a global influencer in shaping equitable and inclusive trade systems.”
Oduwole referenced the preliminary MoU signed by Presidents Bola Tinubu and Patrice Talon during the West African Economic Summit, which laid the foundation for this technical engagement. According to her, both leaders have tasked their teams with translating political commitments into enforceable trade policies.
“Our joint commitment is to dismantle barriers, improve logistics, and use trade as a tool for job creation and regional prosperity.
The synergy between both Customs leaderships has been exceptional, and we are expanding this through four thematic working groups on trade facilitation, enforcement, data sharing, and infrastructure.”
The session brought together senior officials, Customs heads, and trade experts from both nations, emphasizing a unified strategy for enhancing border trade operations.
As part of the collaboration, the Nigerian and Beninese delegations conducted a joint inspection tour of the Cotonou Port, evaluating current logistics systems and identifying areas for modernization. They also visited the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post, underscoring their shared commitment to more efficient and integrated border management.
(The Whistler)
