By Joy Onu
Nigeria has inaugurated the Nigeria–Benin Inter-Ministerial Committee and Technical Working Group, marking the start of negotiations on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance economic cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
A press release from Augustina Obilor-Duru, Head, Press and Public Relations, said the Abuja ceremony officially kicked off structured discussions on trade, investment, and regional economic collaboration. Senior government officials and sector representatives attended, highlighting the strategic significance of the initiative.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, MFR, described Nigeria–Benin relations as long-standing and strategically important. She said a coordinated framework could unlock opportunities in trade, investment, industrial development, and the formalisation of cross-border commerce.
The MoU will serve as a practical, non-binding guide for collaboration in trade facilitation, industrial cooperation, customs management, standards, and value-chain development. Dr. Oduwole emphasised that the framework will enhance predictability, efficiency, coordination, and transparency.
She clarified that the MoU is not a free trade agreement and will not include tariff liberalisation or market access commitments, protecting Nigeria’s strategic industries while ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes.
Addressing the Technical Working Group, the Minister stressed the need for multi-sectoral expertise to produce technically sound, policy-aligned, and actionable results. She urged sustained inter-ministerial coordination and stakeholder engagement.
The Ministry will provide full support, with the Permanent Secretary and relevant directors coordinating operations. Dr. Oduwole formally inaugurated the Technical Working Group and wished members success.
Permanent Secretary Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi recalled milestones leading to the inauguration, including the MoU signed at the West African Economic Summit on 21 June 2025 and the Minister’s official visit to Benin on 31 July 2025. He noted that Nigeria has received the draft agreement and formally shared its Technical Working Group composition with Benin.
The Committee has been tasked with negotiating a balanced, development-focused framework covering trade facilitation, investment cooperation, customs and border management, standards, industrial collaboration, and other priority areas.
Mrs. Gertrude Orji, Director of Investment Promotion at FMITI, thanked the Minister for her guidance and reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to administrative and coordination support for the Committee.
The ceremony ended with a shared commitment to advancing trade, investment, and regional cooperation between Nigeria and Benin.
