Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have signed a major bilateral agreement aimed at boosting integration and setting a new standard for regional cooperation within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The historic agreement was finalized at the inaugural West Africa Economic Summit (WAES) in Abuja, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria and President Patrice Talon of Benin in attendance. The signing ceremony was led by Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu. Representing Benin were Trade Minister Shadiya Alimatou Assouman and Foreign Affairs Minister Shegun Adjadi Bakari.
Tinubu and Talon Push for True Regional Unity
President Patrice Talon hailed the agreement as a breakthrough in regional diplomacy and economic cooperation. “President Tinubu and I have reached a mutual understanding for full integration between our two nations. Now it’s up to our ministers to implement this vision,” Talon declared. “Benin and Nigeria are not just neighbors—we are one people. Let us show the rest of West Africa that genuine integration is possible.”
Speaking candidly, Talon criticized the slow pace of ECOWAS integration, pointing to persistent bureaucratic delays and poor infrastructure coordination. He specifically cited the underperforming West African Gas Pipeline and Power Pool initiatives as examples of missed opportunities, revealing that Benin now imports gas from Qatar due to regional inefficiencies.
“The Lagos-Abidjan Corridor, meant to promote trade and travel, is plagued by unnecessary border checks and harassment,” Talon said. “This is not what regional integration should look like.”
Poverty, Trade, and Global Shifts
President Talon identified poverty as the greatest threat to democracy and security in West Africa, stressing that meaningful integration is essential to reversing economic hardship. He also referenced the global shift towards protectionism, using the U.S.-China trade war as a wake-up call for African nations to protect their economic interests.
“We must learn from global trends and act in our own interest. Integration should not just be talked about—it must be implemented,” he added.
Regional Leaders Join the Conversation
The summit featured national addresses from President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone and President Joseph Boakai of Liberia. Both leaders emphasized the need for accelerated integration to address challenges such as debt burdens, food insecurity, climate change, and geopolitical instability.
President Bio urged the implementation of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and the Common External Tariff, while also calling for the introduction of a single regional currency to enhance trade, reduce exchange rate barriers, and stabilize prices across the subregion.
President Boakai praised President Tinubu’s leadership as ECOWAS Chairman and called the summit a timely opportunity to reset regional cooperation efforts.
“This platform is crucial for coordinating strategies and renewing our commitment to economic transformation in West Africa,” Boakai stated.
Summit Sets the Stage for ECOWAS Heads of State Meeting
The West Africa Economic Summit precedes the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, scheduled for Sunday, June 22, 2025, at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.
The event also featured video remarks from UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and World Trade Organization Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, underscoring the international support for deeper regional ties and economic reforms in West Africa.
