By Chesa Chesa
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and a deeper strategic partnership with the Republic of Benin to sustain economic and democratic gains in the region.
He said both nations share a common destiny rooted in history, culture, trade, and collective responsibility for regional security.
Senator Shettima, who spoke on Sunday in Cotonou, the Benin Republic capital, where he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of President Romuald Wadagni, said the Tinubu administration considers the Nigeria-Benin relationship strategic to regional integration and democratic stability within West Africa.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian leader at the inauguration ceremony held at the Presidential Palace, VP Shettima said Nigeria’s presence at the event reflected the President’s enduring commitment to solidarity and cooperation with neighbouring countries.
“Our presence here in Cotonou underlines President Tinubu’s unwavering, deep-seated commitment to strengthening ties with our neighbours,” he stated.
The Vice President described the relationship between Nigeria and Benin Republic as one built on centuries of social interaction, cultural affinity and economic interdependence that transcend political boundaries.
“Our border with the Benin Republic stretches across nearly 600 kilometres, spanning six Nigerian states, including Kebbi State. Our cultural and historical ties run deep—we intermarry, and our communities overlap.
“There are Yoruba people on this side of the border just as there are in Nigeria. Benin has a Borgu Province, while we have a Borgu Local Government Area in Niger State. We are essentially one people tied to a common destiny,” he said
The Vice President disclosed that trade relations between both nations currently hover around $2 billion annually, noting that approximately five million Nigerians reside in Benin Republic out of its estimated population of 15 million people.
According to him, both countries must continue to work together in promoting democratic governance, peace and economic prosperity across the ECOWAS sub-region.
