Breaking News: Nigeria and Benin Sign Landmark Integration Agreement
By Usman A Harande
In a significant step towards deepening bilateral relations and fostering regional cooperation, Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have signed a groundbreaking agreement aimed at enhancing economic integration between the two nations. The agreement was signed on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the inaugural West Africa Economic Summit (WAES) in Abuja, witnessed by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Benin Republic President Patrice Talon.
Key Highlights of the Agreement
Full Integration: Presidents Tinubu and Talon have agreed on full integration between Benin and Nigeria, with the responsibility now lying with their ministers to implement it.
Regional Cooperation: The agreement aims to serve as a model for broader regional cooperation within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Trade and Investment: The deal focuses on eliminating barriers to trade, travel, and cooperation between the neighboring countries.¹ ²
Challenges Facing ECOWAS
President Talon expressed concerns about the current state of ECOWAS, describing it as “in crisis.” He highlighted several challenges, including:
West African Gas Pipeline: The pipeline, designed to enhance regional energy cooperation, has been plagued by administrative bottlenecks, forcing Benin to source gas from Qatar.
West African Power Pool: The initiative has failed to function as expected, despite heavy investment.
Lagos-Abidjan Corridor: Logistical obstacles, including unnecessary border checks and harassment, have hampered business activities.
Call to Action
President Talon urged West African leaders to move from talk to action, emphasizing that integration must be real and delivered. He stressed that poverty remains the region’s most significant threat to democracy, security, and stability. Other leaders, including President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone and President Joseph Boakai of Liberia, also emphasized the need for accelerated regional integration and cooperation.³
Way Forward
The agreement and the summit precede the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, scheduled for Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Abuja. Key takeaways from the summit include⁴:
Single Regional Currency: Support for a single regional currency to streamline trade and lower costs.
Trade Liberalization: Initiatives like the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme and Common External Tariff to harmonize trade policies and reduce tariffs.
Regional Cooperation: UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala have expressed support for a more unified West African economy.
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