Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have signed a Framework for Enhanced Economic Cooperation, marking a significant step toward deepening bilateral trade and regional integration. The agreement was formalised during a high-level ministerial meeting following engagements at the West Africa Economic Summit 2025 in Abuja, with Presidents Bola Tinubu and Patrice Talon witnessing the signing. The framework focuses on four key pillars: Trade in Goods, Trade in Services and Private Sector Engagement, Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation, and Legal and Institutional Issues.
Leading Nigeria’s delegation, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole said the initiative aligns with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and World Trade Organisation (WTO) frameworks, and reflects a commitment to “win-win outcomes” for both nations and the broader African continent. She added that negotiations toward a detailed Memorandum of Understanding will begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, with a conclusion expected by early 2026.
Officials from both countries expressed optimism that the partnership would dismantle trade barriers, strengthen institutional linkages, and promote investment. The Federal Government described the framework as a milestone in its regional economic diplomacy agenda, underscoring that it will facilitate structured, rule-based cooperation between Nigeria and Benin’s trade and customs agencies to drive long-term economic growth.