Shettima Strengthens Nigeria-Benin Relations in Cotonou

On Sunday, Vice President Kashim Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the Republic of Benin during a ceremony in Cotonou, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Shettima described the two nations as historically and culturally bound, sharing a border of nearly 600 kilometers across six Nigerian states.

He noted that Nigeria and Benin have a long-standing connection, citing shared ethnic linkages, particularly among the Yoruba people. Shettima disclosed that trade between the countries currently stands at $2 billion annually, with around five million Nigerians residing in Benin.

He emphasized the importance of cooperation in border security and trade facilitation, as well as grassroots governance and infrastructure development. The Vice President referenced a memorandum of understanding signed in August last year aimed at strengthening collaboration among border communities to address cross-border crime and improve socio-economic relations.

He also mentioned the implementation of ECOWAS frameworks, including trade liberalization and free movement protocols.