The Nigerian and Beninese governments have endorsed a Framework for Enhanced Economic Cooperation, signalling a deepened partnership and a shared commitment to regional prosperity.
In a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Nigerian Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Adebayo Thomas, both parties reaffirm their full commitment to deepening bilateral trade, strengthening cross-border cooperation, and advancing regional integration in pursuit of shared prosperity for the peoples of Nigeria and Benin.
Today, Nigeria & Benin endorsed a Framework for Enhanced Economic Cooperation, built on 4 pillars: Trade in Goods, Services & Private Sector, Customs & Trade Facilitation, and Legal & Institutional Issues.
Formal MoU negotiations begin Q4 2025, a step toward regional integration. pic.twitter.com/7gaQRKW29x— Dr Jumoke Oduwole (@joduwole) August 2, 2025
According to the statement, the Nigerian delegation was led by the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, while the Beninese delegation was headed by Minister of Economy and Finance, Romuald Wadagni.
“The Federal Republic of Nigeria warmly welcomes the agreement reached today in Cotonou. Structured around four thematic pillars, trade in goods, trade in services & private sector engagement, customs procedures & trade facilitation, and legal & Institutional Issues, the Framework will guide the negotiation of a memorandum of understanding. Text drafting is set to begin in Q4 2025, with the conclusion targeted by Q1 2026.
“Nigeria reaffirms its full commitment to deepening bilateral trade, strengthening cross-border cooperation, and advancing regional integration in pursuit of shared prosperity for our two peoples.”
It added that a communique was issued after the signing of the MOU.