The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (OON), has hailed the ongoing bilateral efforts to strengthen trade between Nigeria and the Benin Republic as a significant milestone, marking the development of a major trade hub.
According to Tuggar, the recent meeting was crucial for operationalizing the Kebbi-Segbana border and highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to boosting economic relations between the two nations. This initiative aligns with the government’s eight-point agenda aimed at fostering economic growth and prosperity.
The two countries have also agreed to establish a project implementation working group with short, medium, and long-term frameworks. This agreement includes the revival of the Nigeria-Benin Joint Commission, which last convened in 2014 in Cotonou.
Tuggar called on the Benin government to address ongoing border frictions, including efforts to repatriate 700 Nigerians residing in Segbana, Northern Benin Republic. He emphasized the importance of maintaining harmonious relationships at common borders and adopting mutually inclusive strategies to resolve clashes between Nigerian and Beninese communities.
The Nigerian delegation, led by Tuggar, included the Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris Kaura; Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi; Dr. Dakorinama Alabo George, Director-General of the Border Communities Development Agency; and Alh. Aliyu Mohammed, Director of Home Finance representing the Minister of Finance.
The Benin delegation was represented by Mr. Romauld Wadgani, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of cooperation; Mr. Shegun Adjadi Bakari, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Madam Adidjatou Hassan Zanouvi, Director General of Customs.
