Tinubu receives Benin Republic President Patrice Talon, seeks ECOWAS economic ties
By Samuel Ogunsona
President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received the President of Benin Republic,Patrice Talon.
The Nigerian leader said cooperation is imperative for economic prosperity in West Africa, noting that a lack of synergy between Nigeria and the Benin Republic has been an encumbrance of mutual development.
Speaking when he received President Patrice Talon of Benin Republic at the State House in Abuja, on Wednesday, President Tinubu said Nigeria and Benin Republic share a lot in common, describing both countries as conjoined twins held together at the hip.
A statement signed by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity made available to Irohinoodua reemphasised the relationship between Benin and Nigeria.
He said “We are one. No other nation like ours should be worried. What is affecting us is a lack of synergy. We have not developed the necessary economic synergy that will develop our two nations. We must have common economic principles and priorities. The economic program you are developing through inter-ministerial collaboration is welcomed by me.
Tinubi said Nigeria will support all the private sector interests to facilitate prosperity in both of our important countries.
“I appreciate the urgency of your approach, and we welcome this. Leadership is sometimes defined by urgent action. Thank you for your quality leadership. We are together. I am not a backward-looking person. I look forward. This is how I avoid missing steps,” the President said.
President Talon, who was at the State House to seek the support of President Tinubu on improving trade relations, ahead of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Summit, described the relationship between his country and Nigeria as crucial.
He said the Benin Republic is seeking stronger trade ties with Nigeria, emphasizing the free movement of people and goods between both countries.
“Benin has started implementing a national development plan which includes enhanced integration between Nigeria and the Benin Republic. Our development plan includes taking into account what investments are required in Benin to enhance our integration with Nigeria in trade terms. Many agreements have indeed been signed to push our integration forward, but they have not been implemented.
“At the level of ECOWAS, we embrace free movement and integration, and at the African level, AfCFTA envisages this; so we need to move urgently to make this a reality.
“Our investment program must be revised to factor in all factors of the Nigerian economy. We seek to set up an inter-ministerial technical committee that will jointly prepare a draft document for our legislatures. I am ready to sign an executive order to appoint members of the council to advance mutually beneficial cooperation across sectors.
“There have been difficulties bilaterally on the issue of smuggling. We will work hard to coordinate and ensure that your interests are protected as we integrate our economies. I want us to make history together,” President Talon said.
