Nigeria, Benin Republic strengthens bilateral ties to boost economy
By Samuel Luka
The Nigerian government and its Benin Republic counterpart have agreed to establish a Permanent Joint Commission that will complement governments’ subsisting efforts for robust economic bilateral relations.
This was contained in a press statement issued to newsmen by the Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Honourable Minister of foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar Thursday.
According to the Special Assistant, Mr Alkasim Abdulkadir, the minister described the ongoing bilateral engagement to bolster trade between Nigeria and Benin Republic as a historical milestone and the making of a major hub for trade.
The statement further explained that the Minister made the statement during bilateral meeting at the Segbana customs border post in Benin Republic.
It explained that the meeting according to Tuggar was key to operationalizing the Kebbi-Segbana border and imperative in showcasing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing economic ties between the two countries with a view to promoting economic growth and prosperity in line with the 8 point agenda of the government.
The bilateral meeting also agreed to set up a project implementation working group within a short, medium and long term framework through the resuscitation of the Nigeria-Benin Joint Commission which last held a meeting in 2014 in Cotonou.
Ambassador Tuggar drew the attention of the government of Benin to the incessant border frictions by both countries, especially the ongoing efforts to repatriate 700 Nigerians living in the Segbana, Northern Benin Republic.
He stressed the need for the maintenance of harmonious relationships in the Nigeria – Benin common borders by embracing mutually inclusive approaches to remove all irritants and work towards finding a peaceful and sustainable resolution to clashes between border communities of the two neighboring countries.
The press statement stated that, on the entourage of the minister were the Governor of Kebbi State, Dr Nasir Idris Kaura, Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and Dr. Dakorinama Alabo George the Director-General of the Border Communities Development Agency.
According to the minister’s media aide, Alh. Aliyu Mohammed the Director Home Finance who represented the Minister of Finance was also on the delegation.
The statement added that the delegation from the Benin side include 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.