In a bid to enhance regional integration and boost economic activities, a high-level delegation from the Federal Government of Nigeria engaged in an inter-ministerial meeting with counterparts from the Benin Republic to discuss the reopening of the Segbana-Tsamiya border post in Kebbi State. The meeting, held on May 21, 2024, aimed to fast-track the operationalisation of the border post.
Among the Nigerian delegation are the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, Director of Home Finance, Ministry of Finance, Ali Mohammed and Director-General Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), Dr. Dakorinama Alabo George, among others.
Discussions dwelled on comprehensive issues surrounding the border post’s opening, focusing on logistics, security measures, and the economic impact, just as feasibility studies were presented, outlining expected benefits such as increased trade and potential challenges that might arise. The deliberations also included setting timelines and identifying necessary infrastructure to ensure smooth operation.
During the visit, Adeniyi affirmed that engagements between the two countries will foster their efforts to enhance the economy, maintaining that the aim was to improve free flow of trade and commercial activities between the two countries, primarily through the Northern borders.
He said: “To ensure closer working and economic relations between Nigeria and the Benin Republic. Over the last six months, within this collaboration framework, we have been working with our colleagues from the Beninese Customs Administration to ensure that we bring the economy together through easy border crossing with goods.”
Read Also: Air Peace Airlines refutes UKCAA’s allegation of safety violations
On her part, the Director General of the Benin Customs Administration, Adidjatou Hassan, commended the move to reopen the border, which, she said, will strengthen the trade activities between citizens of both countries.
“This development is expected to increase economic cooperation and strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations. We are committed to sustaining our seamless collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service while enhancing security at our borders and trade activities,” she added.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, said the decision to form the forum was based on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Beninese counterpart, Patrice Talon’s directives to strengthen socio-economic interaction, trade expansion and commercial ties between the two nations.
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, who was part of the delegation, applauded the presidents for making moves to reinvigorate free trade and transportation of goods to various destinations within the two countries.
He, however, maintained that the state has maintained good neighbourliness with the Republic of Benin on economic activities and social interaction as both are beneficiaries of the border.
Further deliberations revolved around addressing disputes and agreeing on the operational framework, as the reinvigoration of a joint commission between Nigeria and Benin took centre stage in the discussions. Also, a significant step towards resolving issues and ensuring the necessary infrastructure formed part of the discussions.
The meeting ended with a summary of key points discussed and a formal statement of commitment from both sides. Also, an agreement was reached on scheduling a follow-up meeting in June 2024 to monitor progress and address any outstanding issues.
The delegation also resolved to hold a bi-national committee meeting with a defined commitment for subcommittees to submit their reports within two weeks to streamline seamless efforts towards border reopening.
