Nigeria and Benin Endorse Framework for Enhanced Economic Cooperation

.... As Nigeria reaffirms its full commitment to deepening bilateral trade, strengthening cross-border cooperation, and advancing regional integration, in pursuit of shared prosperity for our two peoples. 

Cotonou, Republic of Benin: Senior representatives of the Benin and Nigerian governments convened today to officially endorse a Framework for Enhanced Economic Cooperation, signalling a deepened partnership and a shared commitment to regional prosperity. Both Parties reaffirm their full commitment to deepening bilateral trade, strengthening cross-border cooperation, and advancing regional integration in pursuit of shared prosperity for the peoples of Nigeria and Benin.

The Nigerian delegation was led by the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole MFR, joined by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi; and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Nura Rimi.

The Beninese delegation was headed by Senior Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, Romuald Wadagni; Minister of Justice and Legislation, Mr. Yvon Detchénou; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Olushegun Adjadi Bakari; and Minister of Industry and Trade, Mrs. Shadiya Alimatou Assouman.

The Federal Republic of Nigeria warmly welcomes the agreement reached today in Cotonou. Structured around four thematic pillars, Trade in Goods; Trade in Services & Private Sector Engagement; Customs Procedures & Trade Facilitation; and Legal & Institutional Issues—the Framework will guide the negotiation of a Memorandum of Understanding. Text drafting is set to begin in Q4 2025, with conclusion targeted by Q1 2026.

Nigeria reaffirms its full commitment to deepening bilateral trade, strengthening cross-border cooperation, and advancing regional integration, in pursuit of shared prosperity for our two peoples. A joint communique was issued after the signing of the MOU.

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by Adebayo Thomas, Director of Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment FMITI.