Nigeria’s Charge D’Affaires (CDA) in the Republic of Benin, Ambassador Ambassador Tiggi says the country and Nigeria are to formalise trade operations and enhance security ties for mutual benefits of both nations.
Ambassador Tiggi said the strategic move aims to strengthen economic and security cooperation, fostering a more robust and sustainable partnership between the two countries.
He emphasized the crucial role of justice and fairness in promoting peace in both countries.
Ambassador Tiggi spoke when he received 60 Doctoral Students of Security, Strategic and Studies (SSS), and Peace and Conflict Studies (PCS) from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, during their visit to the Nigeria’s Embassy in Benin Republic.
The visiting Doctorate students identified the prevalence of crime triggered by injustice as a significant cause of insecurity along Nigeria’s borders. This observation according to them, underscores the complex interplay between social justice and security challenges in border regions, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address these issues effectively.
The visit is part of a week-long continental fellowship study to the Republic of Benin.
Prof. Andrew Zamani, Director of the Institute of Governance and Development Studies, his deputy, and Dr. Usman A. Yusuf, Head, Department of Peace and Conflict Studies led the students on the fellowship study tour.
Prof. Zamani explained that the theme of the visit to Benin was “Security Management and Economic Integration in the ECOWAS Sub-Region: Lessons from Nigeria – Benin Republic.”
He further said that the continental fellowship study was partly undertaken to “create mutually reciprocal strategy between the two countries.
According to him, participants are expected to work out constructive frameworks for leveraging beyond the existing bilateral relations between the Republic of Benin and Nigeria.
Prof. Zamani said; “It was both significant and symbolic that Nigeria’s incumbent President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first official state visit, was to the Republic of Benin.”
At Iwoye/Ketou, a border town in Cotonou, Dr. Usman Yusuf, Deputy Director of IGDS who led the students on the visit, said they were expected to draw synergy between the theories and practical aspects of their academic programme.
Present with the CDA at Nigeria House were Amb. Bukar Kalambe, Head of Chancery, Ms. Adebunmi Oyewumi, Counsellor, Col. Umar Mohammed Sani, Defence Attache, Mrs. Ruth Ibrahim, Immigration Attache, and Mr. A.A.Gandonu, Custom Attache II.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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