President of the Republic of Benin, Romuald Wadagni, on Monday paid an official visit to Nigeria for high-level talks with President Bola Tinubu focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

The visit marked Wadagni’s first bilateral engagement since assuming office on May 24 and comes at a time of growing economic collaboration between Benin and Nigeria, which are connected by one of West Africa’s busiest trade corridors.

According to a statement issued by the Beninese Presidency, discussions between the two leaders centred on key areas including economic and industrial cooperation, energy development, maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, and regional integration, particularly the future of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Nigeria remains Benin’s largest trading partner, with both nations sharing an 809-kilometre border and maintaining deep commercial, cultural and historical ties.

The Beninese government noted that trade between the two countries has continued to grow significantly, highlighting that Benin’s formal exports to Nigeria increased by more than 90 per cent in 2024.

It also pointed to the rising interest of Nigerian investors in Benin’s Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone, a major industrial hub designed to attract regional and international investment.

Other areas of cooperation highlighted include the Sèmè-Kraké Joint Border Control Post, the West African Gas Pipeline project and the Benin-Nigeria Business Forum held earlier this year, all of which have contributed to strengthening economic and trade relations between the two countries.

The visit, which was at the invitation of President Tinubu, forms part of ongoing efforts by both governments to deepen bilateral engagement, enhance economic opportunities and address shared regional challenges.