President Bola Tinubu says a lack of synergy between Nigeria
and Benin Republic has stunted development and economic prosperity in both
countries.
Tinubu spoke on Wednesday while receiving Beninese President
Patrice Talon at the State House in Abuja, according to a statement released by
Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesperson.
The statement said Talon was at the State House to seek
Tinubu’s support on improving trade relations, ahead of the Economic Community
of West African States (ECOWAS) summit scheduled for December 10.
“Benin has started implementing a national development plan which includes enhanced integration between Nigeria and Benin Republic,” Ngelale quoted Talon as saying.
“Our development plan
includes taking into account what investments are required in Benin to enhance
our integration with Nigeria in trade terms.
“It is true that many agreements have been signed to push
our integration forward, but they have not been implemented.
“At the level of ECOWAS, we embrace free movement and
integration, and at the African level, AfCFTA envisages this; so we need to
move urgently to make this a reality.”
Talon also called for a revision of Benin Republic’s
investment programmes to factor in the Nigerian economy.
“We seek to set up an inter-ministerial technical committee
that will jointly prepare a draft document for our legislatures,” he added.
“I am ready to sign an executive order to appoint members of
the council to advance mutually beneficial cooperation across sectors.”
The Beninese president assured Tinubu that Nigeria’s
interests would be protected in the trade deal, saying “I want us to make
history together”.
In response, Tinubu welcomed Talon’s ideas, saying the right
support would be provided to aid both countries to achieve their shared goals.
“We are one. No other nation like ours should be worried.
What is affecting us is a lack of synergy,” Tinubu said.
“We have not developed the necessary economic synergy that
will develop our two nations. We must have common economic principles and
priorities.
“The economic programme you are developing through
inter-ministerial collaboration is welcomed by me.
“We will support all of our private sector interests to
facilitate prosperity in both of our important countries.
“I appreciate the urgency of your approach, and we welcome
this. Leadership is sometimes defined by urgent action. Thank you for your
quality leadership.
“We are together. I
am not a backward looking person. I look forward. This is how I avoid missing
steps.”
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