Nigeria, Benin begin talks on enhanced economic cooperation framework

By Progress Godfrey

Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have commenced talks to deepen economic cooperation, inaugurating a joint inter-ministerial committee and technical working group in Abuja.

The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, signed by its Head, Press and Public Relations, Augustina Obilor-Duru. The move formally begins negotiations towards a Memorandum of Understanding on enhanced economic cooperation between the two countries.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said Nigeria and Benin share long-standing historical, cultural and economic ties that provide strong opportunities for trade expansion, investment growth and industrial development.

She explained that the proposed MoU would serve as a non-binding framework covering trade facilitation, investment promotion, industrial cooperation, customs and border management, standards and value chain development.

Oduwole stressed that the framework is not a free trade agreement and must not include tariff liberalisation or market access commitments, adding that it must protect Nigeria’s strategic industries and ensure balanced outcomes.

Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, said the committee follows earlier engagements, including the signing of an MoU at the West African Economic Summit in June 2025 and the minister’s official visit to Benin in July.

He disclosed that Nigeria has received a zero-draft MoU, which will serve as the basis for negotiations, noting that the committee has been mandated to deliver a development-focused, implementable framework.

Vanguard News

The post Nigeria, Benin begin talks on enhanced economic cooperation framework appeared first on Vanguard News.