Benin and Nigeria have taken a significant step toward deepening their economic partnership, with both countries agreeing on a framework aimed at streamlining trade and intensifying the fight against customs fraud.
The agreement follows three days of intensive high-level negotiations in Cotonou, where Nigeria’s Minister of Trade, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, led a delegation to engage Beninese officials in discussions centred on creating an Enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement.
The framework, signed on August 2, is set to pave the way for final negotiations scheduled for September 2025.
One of the key objectives of the agreement is to boost efficiency at the Sémè-Kraké border post—a critical hub for cross-border commerce—and enhance coordination between customs authorities to address widespread fraud.
The partnership is expected to reinforce surveillance, digitize operations, and improve transparency in customs procedures.
During her visit, Dr. Oduwole toured the Autonomous Port of Cotonou, where she observed ongoing reforms aimed at modernizing the port’s infrastructure.
These efforts, supported by Benin, are designed to strengthen the region’s transshipment capacity and optimize trade flows between West African nations.
On the sidelines of the talks, Minister Oduwole was received by President Patrice Talon, where she conveyed a message from Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the shared vision of “One Voice, One Future,” as declared during the WAES 2025 summit—a framework pushing for deeper West African economic integration.
Observers describe the initiative as a pivotal move toward building trust and synergy between the neighbouring states.
With regional trade and security at stake, the upcoming September negotiations will be closely watched as both countries work to transform diplomatic momentum into lasting economic results.
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