President Bola Tinubu, on Friday in Paris, said Nigeria is ready to work with the Republic of Benin towards economic prosperity as both states need each other, especially on trade issues, security and border controls.
“We must recognise the fact that we need each other. We are in a loop and no one should separate us,” Tinubu said when he received the President of Benin Republic, Patrice Talon, after the Summit on New Global Financing Pact.
The President’s Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy, Dele Alake, disclosed this in a statement he signed late Friday titled ‘Africa remains centrepiece of Nigeria’s economic, foreign policy, says President Tinubu in Paris.’
Describing Nigeria’s relations with Benin as that of Siamese twins, joined at the hips, and supported by other friendly countries, Tinubu assured Talon that his administration will always be open and accessible to all neighbouring countries.
The meeting comes barely 48 hours after the Director of Road Transport in the Ministry of Transportation, Ibrahim Musa, disclosed that the Federal Government has approved the re-opening of the Seme border for the importation of vehicles.
Seme Border is a settlement in Nigeria on the border with Benin.
He said beyond being a major player in the subregion, Nigeria will sustain its spotlight on African countries as the fulcrum of its policies on the economy and foreign policy, noting that trade issues, security, and border controls will be mutually implemented.
Tinubu apprised Talon of his most recent move to improve border controls with the West African state saying “I just appointed someone who will work with you as Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, and he will be available for our common interest.”
The President noted that bilateral relations with African countries, particularly at the sub-regional level will be enhanced for shared benefits in areas of security, health, energy, education and diplomacy.
“We are ready to improve relations. Africa has been the centrepiece of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
“I believe in Africa. We have the necessity to grow the continent. The world’s economy is wobbling, and Africa has been left behind,” said Tinubu.
He lamented that Africa’s high-risk rating has made it suffer “higher interest rates on borrowing.”
“We are always classified as high risk. We must work together for systematic recovery and growth,” he added.
Responding, Talon said he was inspired with renewed hope for the sub-region and Africa at the inauguration of President Tinubu in Abuja, pledging to provide support on trade and security policy, especially at the borders.
“We are prepared to work with you, Your Excellency, in implementing policies that will protect our economies at land and sea entries. Whatever is forbidden in Nigeria will also be forbidden in Benin,” he added.
President Tinubu also had bilateral meetings with Swiss President, Alain Berset, and the President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina.