The two delegations agreed to cooperate on transshipment and to combat customs fraud.
At the invitation of the Government of the Republic of Benin, a delegation led by Her Excellency Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, and including Her Excellency Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, visited Cotonou from July 31 to August 2, 2025. This visit was part of ongoing bilateral discussions initiated by both countries during the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES 2025), held in Abuja on June 21, 2025, under the theme: “One Voice, One Future.”
During the joint meeting with the Beninese delegation composed of Mr. Romuald WADAGNI, Minister of State, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Cooperation; Mr. Yvon DETCHENOU, Minister of Justice and Legislation; Mr. Olushegun ADJADI BAKARI, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Mrs. Alimatou Shadiya ASSOUMAN, Minister of Industry and Trade, both Parties agreed on the negotiation framework for a Strengthened Economic Partnership Agreement, as well as on the extension of trade facilitation measures along the borders of the two countries.
Both delegations welcomed the progress made, which resulted in the signing of the negotiation framework for the said Agreement by the Ministers of Trade of the two countries.
Furthermore, the Nigerian delegation was granted an audience with His Excellency Mr. Patrice TALON, President of the Republic of Benin. On this occasion, they delivered a message of friendship and solidarity from His Excellency Mr. Bola Ahmed TINUBU, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Her Excellency Dr. Jumoke Oduwole also expressed to President Patrice TALON her delegation’s sincere gratitude for the warm welcome and the attention they had received since arriving in Cotonou.
Both Parties praised the exemplary cooperation between their respective customs administrations and committed to continuing their collaboration in the same spirit.
Additionally, the Nigerian delegation visited the Port of Cotonou and the Sèmè-Kraké border post, which allowed them to observe firsthand the major reforms undertaken by the Beninese Government to enhance and facilitate trade between the two countries.
The two delegations agreed to cooperate in the area of transshipment and to prevent customs fraud. The customs working group established under the negotiation framework is expected to operate in a spirit of genuine collaboration and in accordance with the directives of their respective customs authorities.
Finally, both delegations agreed to begin negotiations on the text of the Strengthened Economic Partnership Agreement between Benin and Nigeria starting in September 2025.
