Tinubu Sends Nigerian Delegation to Benin Republic to Study Customs and Trade Reforms

The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent a high-level Nigerian delegation to Benin Republic to learn from the country's customs administration, port operations and trade facilitation reforms.

The visit forms part of ongoing efforts to modernise Nigeria's trade and border management systems while strengthening economic ties between both countries. The delegation included officials from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and other government agencies responsible for trade and border administration.

Tour of Cotonou Port and Border Facilities

During the visit, the Nigerian delegation toured the Port of Cotonou, one of West Africa's busiest seaports, and the Sèmè-Kraké Joint Border Post, where they observed customs procedures, cargo clearance systems and border management practices.

Officials said the study tour was designed to identify reforms that could improve cargo movement, reduce delays at border crossings and make trade between Nigeria and Benin Republic more efficient.

Nigeria and Benin Sign 12-Point Framework

The visit also resulted in a 12-point communiqué aimed at deepening cooperation between the two countries.

The agreement covers areas such as customs collaboration, intelligence sharing, coordinated border management, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling efforts and joint capacity building for customs officers. Both countries said the framework would help improve the movement of legitimate goods while strengthening border security.

Boosting Regional Trade

Nigeria and Benin share one of the busiest land borders in West Africa, with thousands of people and goods crossing between the two countries daily.

Authorities believe adopting best practices from Benin's customs and port reforms could help reduce bottlenecks, lower trade costs and enhance Nigeria's competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Part of Tinubu's Economic Reform Agenda

The exchange reflects the Federal Government's broader effort to improve the ease of doing business, modernise customs operations and strengthen regional economic integration.

Officials from both countries expressed optimism that continued collaboration would benefit businesses, improve revenue collection and support economic growth across the region.