By George Ozalla
The Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have agreed on a joint trade framework aimed at eliminating trade bottlenecks, facilitating economic development, and creating new opportunities across both countries. The agreement was reached at a high-level meeting held at the Ministère de l’Économie et des Finances in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on Saturday, August 2, 2025.
The meeting brought together senior government officials, Customs chiefs, and trade experts from both countries to chart a collaborative path toward efficient cross-border trade. Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mrs. Jumoke Oduwole, described the bilateral framework as a bold step forward in West Africa’s regional economic strategy, signaling strong political will from both countries to pursue a progressive and inclusive trade relationship.
Mrs. Oduwole emphasized Nigeria’s ambition to evolve from being a regional trade player to a global voice in shaping fair and inclusive international trade systems. She noted that the joint commitment is to dismantle barriers, improve logistics, and ensure that trade becomes a tool for job creation and regional prosperity.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed the Service’s readiness to execute the trade agreement’s outcomes and ensure its alignment with Nigeria’s national trade priorities. He revealed that a formal Memorandum of Understanding, building on this framework, is expected to be signed by the first quarter of 2026.
Adeniyi announced plans to implement corridor-based solutions to facilitate transit and transshipment trade while eliminating bureaucratic delays that affect small and medium enterprises. He also extended appreciation to his Beninese counterpart for her unwavering support and the country’s endorsement of Nigeria’s leadership at the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council meeting in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
The agreement is expected to open a new chapter in Nigeria-Benin trade relations anchored on transparency, technology, and mutual growth.
