Shettima Pushes Nigeria–Benin Partnership, Reaffirms Shared Destiny

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with the Republic of Benin, stressing that both countries share a common destiny rooted in history, culture, trade, and regional security.

Shettima made the remarks on Sunday while representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of President Romuald Wadagni in Cotonou, where he underscored Nigeria’s strategic interest in maintaining strong ties with its neighbour.

According to him, the Tinubu administration views the Nigeria–Benin relationship as central to regional integration and democratic stability within West Africa.

“Our presence here in Cotonou underlines President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to strengthening ties with our neighbours,” the Vice President said.

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He noted that both countries are bound by centuries of social and cultural interaction, pointing to shared ethnic communities, intermarriages, and overlapping settlements along the nearly 600-kilometre border spanning six Nigerian states.

“We are essentially one people tied to a common destiny,” Shettima said, adding that cooperation between both nations remains critical to peace and development in the sub-region.

The Vice President said trade between Nigeria and Benin currently stands at about $2 billion annually, while an estimated five million Nigerians reside in Benin Republic, reflecting the depth of economic and social integration.

He also highlighted ongoing collaboration in border security, trade facilitation, and infrastructure development, including a 2025 memorandum of understanding between both countries to strengthen cooperation among border communities and local authorities.

Shettima said the arrangement has improved grassroots security coordination and boosted economic activity in border areas such as Seme and Ilara.

He further referenced regional frameworks under ECOWAS, including free movement protocols and trade liberalisation schemes, as key drivers of integration between both nations.

As ECOWAS member states, he said Nigeria and Benin remain committed to strengthening democratic governance, promoting peace, and expanding economic opportunities across West Africa.