Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to deepening diplomatic, economic and security cooperation with the Republic of Benin, describing both countries as long-standing partners united by shared heritage and regional interests.
He made the remarks on Sunday, May 24, in Cotonou, where he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of President Romuald Wadagni.
His comments were contained in a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President).
Addressing guests at the Presidential Palace, Shettima said Nigeria’s participation reflected President Tinubu’s determination to strengthen ties with neighbouring states.
“Our presence here in Cotonou underlines President Tinubu’s unwavering, deep-seated commitment to strengthening ties with our neighbours,” he said.
He highlighted the deep cultural, historical and social links between both countries, noting that communities across the Nigeria–Benin border remain closely connected.
“Our border with the Benin Republic stretches across nearly 600 kilometres, spanning six Nigerian states. Our cultural and historical ties run deep—we intermarry, and our communities overlap,” he said.
According to him, both nations are “essentially one people tied to a common destiny,” pointing to shared ethnic identities that cut across the border region.
“There are Yoruba people on this side of the border just as there are in Nigeria,” he added.
Shettima stressed the need for continued collaboration in promoting democracy, stability and economic growth across the West African sub-region.
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“Because of this, we must show solidarity, empathy and active support toward strengthening democracy in West Africa,” he stated.
He further revealed that annual trade between Nigeria and Benin stands at about $2 billion, while an estimated five million Nigerians currently live in Benin Republic.
The Vice President also noted ongoing cooperation between both countries in border management, trade facilitation, infrastructure development and community security under ECOWAS integration frameworks.
He referenced a Memorandum of Understanding signed in August last year aimed at strengthening cooperation among border communities, traditional rulers and local governments to address cross-border crime and improve economic ties.
Shettima said the agreement had already boosted agriculture, commerce and security coordination in border areas, while improving livelihoods for residents.
He added that both countries continue to implement ECOWAS protocols, including trade liberalisation, common external tariffs and free movement policies that allow citizens to travel within the region visa-free for up to 90 days.
After the event, Shettima returned to Abuja, where he was expected to attend a party gathering at the International Conference Centre for the formal ratification of President Tinubu as the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.