Nigeria, Benin Sign Pact to Boost Trade and Integration.
Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have moved to strengthen their economic relationship through the endorsement of a new Framework for Enhanced Economic Cooperation, aimed at boosting bilateral trade and promoting deeper regional integration across West Africa.
The agreement was formalised during a high-level ministerial meeting held on the sidelines of the West Africa Economic Summit 2025 in Abuja on June 21. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Benin’s President Patrice Talon, marking a significant milestone in West African economic diplomacy.
In a statement, the Nigerian Federal Government described the framework as a cornerstone of its regional trade strategy. The agreement outlines cooperation across four critical areas:
- Trade in Goods
- Trade in Services and Private Sector Engagement
- Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation
- Legal and Institutional Coordination
Leading Nigeria’s delegation was the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, and Permanent Secretary Nura Rimi.
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On the Beninese side, Senior Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Romuald Wadagni headed the delegation, which included Minister of Justice and Legislation Yvon Detchénou, Minister of Foreign Affairs Olushegun Bakari, and Minister of Industry and Trade Shadiya Assouman.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Oduwole emphasised the alignment of the new framework with broader regional and global trade goals. “This agreement reflects our commitment to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the World Trade Organisation (WTO). It demonstrates our shared resolve to pursue mutually beneficial outcomes for Nigeria, the West African subregion, and the entire African continent,” she said.
Dr. Oduwole also announced that negotiations for a detailed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) based on the framework would begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, with a conclusion targeted for early 2026.
Government officials from both nations expressed optimism that the initiative will reduce trade barriers, attract investment, and enhance institutional collaboration. The structured, rule-based cooperation is expected to streamline trade and customs operations while supporting long-term economic growth.
The agreement aligns with President Tinubu’s broader agenda to deepen sub-regional integration and reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to the AfCFTA, positioning the country as a key driver of economic transformation across Africa.
Content Credit: Ohidah Oluwaferanmi
Image Credit: Nairametrics.com
