Benin-Nigeria: Towards a Strengthened Economic Partnership to Boost Regional Trade
At the invitation of the Beninese government, a significant Nigerian delegation, led by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, visited Cotonou as part of the continuation of bilateral exchanges initiated in Abuja during the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES 2025).
At the invitation of the Beninese government, a significant Nigerian delegation, led by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, visited Cotonou as part of the continuation of bilateral exchanges initiated in Abuja during the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES 2025).
This official visit, of high strategic scope, builds on the theme of the summit – “One voice, one future” which continues to inspire regional cooperation initiatives for sustainable and shared economic development.
A constructive dialogue for a new agreement
On the Beninese side, the delegation included several government members, notably the Minister of State for Economics and Finances, Romuald Wadagni, Keeper of the Seals Yvon Détchénou, and the Minister of Industry and Trade, Alimatou Shadiya Assouman.
At the end of the presentations, the two parties agreed on the reference framework for future negotiations of a Strengthened Economic Partnership Agreement (SEPA). This new mechanism aims to facilitate further trade along the common borders, through strengthening customs cooperation, better coordination on transshipment issues, and concerted fight against fraud.
A central point of the agreement protocol plans the establishment of mixed working groups on customs issues, based on a principle of transparency and mutual respect for institutional frameworks.
“The working group on customs issues must respect the spirit of open collaboration as well as the institutions of their respective administrations,” says the joint statement published at the end of the meeting.
Presidential audience and strategic visits
The Nigerian delegation was received by the President of the Republic of Benin, Mr. Patrice Talon, who praised Nigeria’s commitment to a strong and mutually beneficial partnership. The Beninese Head of State took the opportunity to send a message of fraternity to his counterpart, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In addition to the official meetings, several field visits were organized: to the autonomous Port of Cotonou, to the border of Sèmè-Kraké, as well as to strategically important logistics sites. These trips allowed the Nigerian delegation to see for themselves the reforms initiated by Benin in terms of facilitating exchanges and modernizing port and customs infrastructures.
Next step: September 2025
The two delegations have set the period of September 2025 for the official opening of negotiations on the final text of the Strengthened Economic Partnership Agreement. A decisive milestone that could mark a turning point in trade relations between the two neighboring countries of the sub-region.