In a meeting held at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu underscored the critical importance of cooperation between Nigeria and Benin Republic for the economic prosperity of West Africa. President Tinubu received President Patrice Talon of Benin Republic, expressing concerns about the lack of synergy hindering mutual development between the two nations.
President Tinubu characterized Nigeria and Benin Republic as conjoined twins, stating, “We are one. No other nation like ours should be worried. What is affecting us is a lack of synergy.” He acknowledged the need for common economic principles and priorities, praising President Talon’s inter-ministerial collaboration for economic development. Tinubu pledged support for private sector initiatives that would contribute to prosperity in both nations.
“We must have common economic principles and priorities. The economic programme you are developing through inter-ministerial collaboration is welcomed by me,” President Tinubu remarked. “We will support all of our private sector interests to facilitate prosperity in both of our important countries.”
President Talon, seeking President Tinubu’s support to improve trade relations ahead of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Summit, described the relationship between Benin Republic and Nigeria as crucial. Emphasizing the importance of free movement of people and goods, Talon outlined Benin Republic’s national development plan, which includes enhanced integration with Nigeria.
“At the level of ECOWAS, we embrace free movement and integration, and at the African level, AfCFTA envisages this; so we need to move urgently to make this a reality,” President Talon stated. He acknowledged difficulties related to smuggling and proposed the establishment of an inter-ministerial technical committee to prepare a draft document for legislatures in both countries.
“Our investment programme must be revised to factor in all factors of the Nigerian economy. I am ready to sign an executive order to appoint members of the council to advance mutually beneficial cooperation across sectors,” President Talon affirmed. He pledged to address bilateral challenges, expressing a commitment to coordinating efforts to ensure the protection of both nations’ interests.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, provided insights into the meeting, emphasizing the shared vision of the two leaders to foster economic cooperation for the greater prosperity of West Africa.
