Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and deepening strategic cooperation with the Republic of Benin as part of broader efforts to sustain economic growth, democratic stability, and regional integration within West Africa.
Shettima made the remarks on Sunday in Cotonou while representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration ceremony of Benin Republic’s President, Romuald Wadagni.
The Vice President said the Tinubu administration considers Nigeria’s relationship with Benin Republic critical to regional peace, democratic consolidation, and economic development across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sub-region.
According to him, Nigeria’s participation in the inauguration ceremony reflected President Tinubu’s enduring commitment to solidarity, cooperation, and stronger diplomatic engagement with neighbouring countries.
“Our presence here in Cotonou underlines President Tinubu’s unwavering, deep-seated commitment to strengthening ties with our neighbours,” Shettima stated.
The Vice President described Nigeria and Benin Republic as countries connected by centuries of historical interaction, cultural affinity, trade relations, and shared security interests.
He noted that both nations maintain deep social and economic linkages that extend beyond formal 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.
“There are Yoruba people on this side of the border just as there are in Nigeria. Benin has a Borgu Province, while we have a Borgu Local Government Area in Niger State. We are essentially one people tied to a common destiny.”
Shettima stressed the need for continued collaboration between both countries in strengthening democratic governance, economic prosperity, and regional security amid growing challenges confronting West Africa.
“Because of this, we must show solidarity, empathy and active support toward strengthening democracy in West Africa,” he added.
Highlighting the economic significance of the bilateral relationship, the Vice President disclosed that annual trade volume between Nigeria and Benin Republic currently stands at approximately $2 billion.
He also revealed that nearly five million Nigerians currently reside in Benin Republic, representing a substantial portion of the country’s estimated 15 million population.
According to Shettima, both countries have continued to deepen cooperation in border security management, trade facilitation, infrastructure development, and grassroots governance.
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He recalled that in August 2025, Nigeria and Benin Republic signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening collaboration among border communities, traditional institutions, and local governments to combat cross-border crimes and promote socio-economic development.
The agreement established direct cooperation between Nigerian border communities and neighbouring towns in Benin Republic, particularly around Seme, Igbokofi, and Ilara border corridors.
Shettima said the initiative had already improved local commerce, agriculture, infrastructure development, and security coordination in affected border communities.
The Vice President further stated that both countries remain committed to implementing regional economic frameworks under ECOWAS, including the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and the Common External Tariff system designed to boost trade and accelerate regional 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.
The renewed commitment comes amid increasing calls for stronger regional cooperation across West Africa as countries in the region seek to address security challenges, expand intra-African trade, and strengthen democratic institutions.