Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have jointly endorsed a Framework for Enhanced Economic Cooperation aimed at strengthening bilateral trade, streamlining customs processes, and promoting sustainable regional integration. This historic move, witnessed by Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Benin’s President Patrice Talon, was formalised during a high-level ministerial meeting held alongside the West Africa Economic Summit 2025 in Abuja on June 21.
The endorsement of the framework reflects the commitment of both countries to deepen cross-border economic collaboration and unlock opportunities in key sectors, as Africa intensifies efforts toward integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
According to a statement from the Federal Government of Nigeria, the newly endorsed agreement aligns with its regional economic diplomacy agenda and is considered a milestone in building sustainable trade networks within West Africa.
The strategic framework is structured around four key pillars:
Trade in Goods
Trade in Services and Private Sector Engagement
Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation
Legal and Institutional Issues
Nigeria’s delegation was led by Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment. She was accompanied by Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of Customs; and Nura Rimi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
Benin’s team was led by Romuald Wadagni, Senior Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, with other officials including Yvon Detchénou (Minister of Justice and Legislation), Olushegun Bakari (Minister of Foreign Affairs), and Shadiya Assouman (Minister of Industry and Trade).
Speaking at the event, Dr. Oduwole emphasized that the framework “reflects our trade policy’s alignment with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), AfCFTA, and World Trade Organization (WTO) protocols.” She added that it underscores both nations’ shared commitment to achieving win-win outcomes for the West African sub-region and the wider African continent.
Negotiations for a detailed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) based on this framework are expected to begin in Q4 of 2025, with the final agreement projected for completion by Q1 of 2026.
The Federal Government further noted that the agreement is designed to foster structured and rule-based cooperation between the trade and customs authorities of both countries. This initiative is anticipated to eliminate persistent trade barriers, enhance cross-border investment flows, and build enduring institutional linkages that promote long-term economic development.
Officials from both Nigeria and Benin expressed confidence that the framework would lead to enhanced trade efficiency, increased access to regional markets for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and stronger private sector participation in shaping economic policy across both countries.
The move is in line with President Tinubu’s broader economic strategy, which includes repositioning Nigeria as a trade gateway for West and Central Africa, especially under the evolving AfCFTA landscape. Nigeria remains one of the largest economies in Africa, while Benin serves as a critical trade corridor for imports and exports, especially through the Seme and Idiroko border routes.
As Nigeria continues to diversify its economy beyond oil, enhanced trade partnerships with neighbouring countries have become a critical component of its non-oil export expansion strategy. The implementation of this bilateral framework is expected to provide a more predictable and transparent environment for businesses, customs agents, and investors on both sides of the border.
Industry analysts also point out that smoother customs procedures and harmonised legal protocols will reduce delays, minimize costs, and discourage smuggling—a persistent challenge along Nigeria-Benin trade corridors.
With the operationalization of this new trade framework on the horizon, both nations are poised to take a leading role in shaping the future of intra-African trade.