Shettima seeks stronger Nigeria-Benin alliance at

Vice President Kashim Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations and strategic cooperation with the Republic of Benin, describing both countries as partners bound by history, culture, trade and a shared responsibility for regional stability.

 

Shettima stated this on Sunday in Cotonou, capital of the Benin, where he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of President Romuald Wadagni.

 

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony at the Presidential Palace, the Vice President said the Tinubu administration considers Nigeria’s relationship with Benin Republic strategic to regional integration, democratic consolidation and economic growth in West Africa.

 

According to him, Nigeria’s participation in the event underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to solidarity, cooperation and mutually beneficial relations with neighbouring countries.

 

“Our presence here in Cotonou underlines President Tinubu’s unwavering and deep-seated commitment to strengthening ties with our neighbours,” Shettima stated.

 

He described the Nigeria-Benin relationship as one forged through centuries of cultural affinity, social interaction and economic interdependence that transcend modern political boundaries.

 

“Our border with the Benin Republic stretches across nearly 600 kilometres, spanning six Nigerian states, including Kebbi State. Our cultural and historical ties run deep—we intermarry, and our communities overlap.

 

“There are Yoruba people on this side of the border just as there are in Nigeria. Benin has a Borgu Province, while we have a Borgu Local Government Area in Niger State. We are essentially one people tied to a common destiny,” he said.

 

The Vice President stressed the need for both countries to continue working together to strengthen democratic governance, peace and economic prosperity across the ECOWAS sub-region.

 

“Because of this, we must show solidarity, empathy and active support toward strengthening democracy in West Africa,” he added.

 

Shettima disclosed that trade relations between Nigeria and Benin currently stand at about $2 billion annually, noting that nearly five million Nigerians reside in Benin Republic out of the country’s estimated population of 15 million.

 

He said both countries have expanded collaboration in border security, grassroots governance, trade facilitation and infrastructure development as part of broader regional integration efforts under the Economic Community of West African States framework.

 

The Vice President recalled that in August last year, Nigeria and Benin signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation among local governments, traditional institutions and border communities to combat cross-border crimes and enhance socio-economic ties.

 

According to him, the agreement established direct cooperation between Nigerian border local government areas and neighbouring communities in Benin, particularly around border towns such as Seme, Igbokofi and Ilara.

 

He said the initiative has already contributed to improvements in commerce, agriculture, infrastructure and local security coordination, while opening new opportunities for businesses and residents operating across border communities.

 

Shettima further noted that both countries are implementing regional trade frameworks under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and the Common External Tariff system to improve the business environment and accelerate economic integration within the region.

 

“As ECOWAS member states, both countries continue to uphold the protocol on free movement of persons, allowing citizens to stay within each other’s territories for up to 90 days without visa requirements,” he added.