Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the Republic of Benin, describing both countries as nations united by shared history, culture, trade and regional security interests.
Shettima made the remarks on Sunday in Cotonou while representing President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of President Romuald Wadagni.
Speaking during the ceremony at the Presidential Palace, the Vice President said Nigeria’s presence demonstrated President Tinubu’s commitment to maintaining strong relations with neighbouring countries.
He stressed that Nigeria and Benin share deep historical and cultural ties, noting that communities on both sides of the border remain closely connected through family relationships and common traditions.
According to him, the nearly 600-kilometre border linking both countries cuts across six Nigerian states and reflects a longstanding bond between their people.
Shettima described Nigeria and Benin as “one people tied to a common destiny”, pointing to shared ethnic and cultural similarities, particularly among Yoruba communities living across both countries.
He urged both nations to continue promoting democracy, peace and economic development within the ECOWAS sub-region through stronger cooperation.
The Vice President also disclosed that trade between Nigeria and Benin currently stands at about $2bn annually, while nearly five million Nigerians reside in the neighbouring country.
He added that both nations have strengthened collaboration in border security, trade facilitation and infrastructure development through regional integration initiatives under ECOWAS.