Tuesday, August 26, 2025 - In a landmark move to strengthen bilateral cooperation, Nigeria and the Benin Republic have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing security and boosting economic development in their shared border communities.
The MoU, signed during a ceremony in Cotonou, Benin
Republic, highlighted the commitment of both countries at tackling
long-standing challenges related to cross-border insecurity, foster cooperation
and revive the social-cultural ties that existed before colonial partitioning.
Speaking at the event, the chairman of Yewa North Local
Government Area of Ogun State, Dr. Olusola Akinbode, who represented all the
chairmen of local government areas with similar characteristics, emphasised the
importance of collaboration between neighbouring nations for peace and
prosperity.
“Our shared borders are not just lines dividing two nations;
they are zones of opportunities. This partnership will enhance security, reduce
illegal activities and foster economic growth that will benefit our border
communities,” he said.
Akinbode, in a release signed by the council’s Zonal
Information Officer, Lateef Akintunde, pointed out that border towns such as
Seme, Igbokofi, Tobolo, Ilara and Ipokia in Nigeria, alongside Cotonou in
Benin, were expected to experience improved safety and increased commercial
activity as a result of the initiative, adding that local business leaders and
residents have expressed optimism that the agreement will curb crime and open
new opportunities for trade and employment.
The agreement followed a recent meeting between chairmen of
border local government areas and mayors of communities on the Nigeria-Benin
international boundary at Parakou, Benin Republic.
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