Nigeria and Benin Republic’s failure to cooperate hampers progress — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has noted that “the lack of synergy between Nigeria and Benin Republic has been an encumbrance to the mutual development of both countries.”

Speaking on Wednesday at the State House in Abuja, he welcomed President Patrice Talon of the Benin Republic and emphasised the need of collaboration for West African economic growth.

Tinubu compared Nigeria and the Benin Republic to conjoined twins linked at the hip, pointing out their many similarities.

The president was cited as saying, “We are one,” in a statement released by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Advisor to the President (Media and Publicity). Our country is not to be concerned about anything. It is a lack of harmony that is impacting us. The required economic synergy that will help our two countries has not yet been established.

“We need to share goals and guiding concepts in economics. I applaud the economic programme you are creating through interministerial cooperation.

“In order to promote prosperity in both of our significant nations, we will back all of our private sector interests. We welcome your contact and recognise its urgency.

“Urgent action can sometimes be used to characterise leadership. I appreciate your excellent leadership. Together, we are. I don’t look backward in life. I’m excited. I avoid missing stages in this way.

Prior to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Summit, President Talon visited the presidential palace to ask President Tinubu for his cooperation in enhancing economic relations.

The president of Benin stated that the relationship between Nigeria and his nation is vital.

He stated that the Benin Republic is aiming to establish closer trade relations with Nigeria, stressing the unrestricted flow of people and products between the two nations.

Talon went on, “Benin has begun carrying out a national development plan that calls for improved integration between the Republic of Benin and Nigeria.

“Part of our development plan is determining the necessary investments in Benin to improve our trade integration with Nigeria. Although a lot of agreements have been reached to advance our integration, they haven’t been put into practise.

“We need to act quickly to make this a reality because at the African level, the AfCFTA envisions free mobility and integration, which is something we support at the ECOWAS level as well.

“We need to update our investment plan to take into account every aspect of the Nigerian economy. We want to form an interministerial technical committee to work together on drafting a document that will be presented to our legislatures.

“I am prepared to issue an executive order naming council members in order to promote cross-sectoral cooperation that benefits all parties involved.

There have been bilateral challenges over the matter of smuggling. As we integrate our economies, we’ll put in a lot of effort to coordinate and make sure your interests are safeguarded. Together, I want to make history.