By Samuel Adeola
Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have signed a landmark bilateral integration agreement aimed at deepening ties and fostering regional cooperation across West Africa.
The historic deal was formalized on Saturday at the 2025 West Africa Economic Summit (WAES), held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
In a statement from the presidency, the agreement was hailed as a defining moment for the region, marking a bold step toward a more integrated and resilient West Africa.
The presidency noted that the agreement serves as a model for enhanced collaboration among ECOWAS member states.
Nigeria’s delegation was led by Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
Signing on behalf of Benin were Minister of Industry and Trade, Shadiya Alimatou Assouman, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Shegun Adjadi Bakari.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Patrice Talon of Benin.
Speaking at the event, President Tinubu emphasized the need for unity and collaboration among West African nations, stating that the region must pursue shared goals and integrated development to remain relevant on the global stage.
