President Tinubu Emphasizes Cooperation with Benin Republic for West African Economic Prosperity.

President Tinubu Emphasizes Cooperation with Benin Republic for West African Economic Prosperity.

In a meeting at the State House in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu stressed the need for cooperation between Nigeria and Benin Republic, citing it as crucial for economic prosperity in West Africa. President Tinubu described the two nations as "conjoined twins held together at the hip."

During the meeting with President Patrice Talon of Benin Republic, President Tinubu expressed concern about the lack of synergy between the countries, hindering mutual development. He highlighted the importance of developing common economic principles and priorities to foster prosperity.

"We are one. What is affecting us is a lack of synergy. We must have common economic principles and priorities. The economic programme you are developing through inter-ministerial collaboration is welcomed by me," President Tinubu stated.

President Talon sought the support of President Tinubu in improving trade relations between Benin Republic and Nigeria, particularly ahead of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Summit. He emphasized the importance of stronger trade ties, focusing on the free movement of people and goods between the two countries.

"Benin has started implementing a national development plan which includes enhanced integration between Nigeria and Benin Republic. Our development plan includes taking into account what investments are required in Benin to enhance our integration with Nigeria in trade terms," President Talon explained.

The leaders discussed the challenges of smuggling and agreed to coordinate efforts to protect each other's interests as they work towards greater economic integration. President Talon proposed the establishment of an inter-ministerial technical committee to prepare a draft document for both legislatures.

President Tinubu expressed his readiness to support private sector interests to facilitate prosperity in both countries and commended President Talon's leadership approach. The meeting concluded with a commitment to making history together in enhancing bilateral cooperation.