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From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
Foreign Ministers from Nigeria and Benin Republic have held bilateral talks aimed at improving the free flow of trade and commerce between the two nations.
The meeting took place at a Benin Republic border house located at Tsamiya, Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Speaking after a closed session, Nigerian Foreign Minister Alhaji Yusuf Tuggar stated that the meeting was held at the behest of Presidents Bola Tinubu and Patrice Talon to strengthen social and economic interactions, as well as expand trade and commerce between the citizens of both countries.
“The meeting at the Segbana border post in Benin Republic is aimed at bringing the border crossing between Tsamiya in Nigeria and Anguwar Sule Wata in Benin Republic back to life through infrastructural development in line with President Tinubu’s renewed hope initiative,” Tuggar said.
He added that significant progress had been made in strengthening relations between the two West African nations.
In his remarks, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale-Adeniyi, emphasized that the meeting aimed to advance regional integration between the two countries, as envisioned by both presidents.
“For the past six months, the Nigeria Customs Service has been working together with the Customs Service of Benin Republic to bring the economies of both nations closer together through easy border crossing and reviving the border post at Tsamiya and Anguwar Sule Wara,” Adewale-Adeniyi said.
“One of our challenges is infrastructure, and we have embarked on improving facilities at the border for easy access and entry between the citizens of both nations,” he added.
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris expressed gratitude to the presidents of both countries for resuscitating the free flow of trade and transportation of goods within their respective territories.
“Kebbi State has maintained good neighbourliness with the Republic of Benin, benefiting both border communities and other residents through economic activities and social interaction,” Idris said.
Other officials present at the meeting included Romuald Wadagni, Senior Minister of the Ministry of Economy, Finance and Cooperation; Olushegun Adjadi-Bakaru, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Benin Republic; and Mrs. Adidjatou Hassan, General Director of the Benin Customs Service.
