Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and strategic cooperation with the Republic of Benin, describing both countries as partners bound by history, culture, trade and regional security interests. Shettima stated this on Sunday in Cotonou during the inauguration ceremony of President Romuald Wadagni, where he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Speaking at the Presidential Palace, the Vice President said Nigeria remains committed to deepening ties with neighbouring countries in the interest of regional integration and democratic stability in West Africa.

“Our presence here in Cotonou underlines President Tinubu’s unwavering, deep-seated commitment to strengthening ties with our neighbours,” Shettima said. He described the relationship between Nigeria and Benin Republic as one built on centuries of social interaction, cultural affinity and economic interdependence, noting that both countries share communities and traditions that transcend political boundaries. According to him, Nigeria and Benin are “essentially one people tied to a common destiny,” stressing the need for both nations to continue promoting democracy, peace and economic prosperity across the ECOWAS sub-region.

The Vice President disclosed that trade relations between both countries currently stand at about $2 billion annually, adding that nearly five million Nigerians reside in Benin Republic. He also highlighted ongoing cooperation in border security, grassroots governance, trade facilitation and infrastructure development under ECOWAS integration initiatives. Shettima recalled that both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding last year to strengthen collaboration among local governments, traditional rulers and border communities in tackling cross-border crimes and improving socio-economic ties.