Shettima Strengthens Nigeria-Benin Relations at Inauguration

On Sunday, Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of President Romuald Wadagni in Cotonou, Benin Republic. Shettima emphasized Nigeria's commitment to deepening strategic partnerships with Benin, highlighting shared historical and cultural ties that span nearly 600 kilometers across six Nigerian states, including Kebbi State.

He noted that approximately five million Nigerians reside in Benin, which has an estimated population of 15 million. The Vice President discussed the importance of trade relations, currently valued at around $2 billion annually, and outlined efforts to enhance border security, grassroots governance, and infrastructure development.

He mentioned the formalization of a grassroots cooperation memorandum aimed at tackling cross-border crime and improving socio-economic ties. Additionally, Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria's role in promoting democratic governance and economic prosperity within the ECOWAS sub-region, stressing the need for collaboration among local governments and traditional rulers to facilitate trade and security.