The Republic of Benin has requested deeper trade ties with Nigeria and free movement of products and persons ahead of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Summit.

President Tinubu, who received the President of the Benin Republic, Patrice Talon, at the State House Abuja on Wednesday, stated that cooperation is essential for economic growth in West Africa, stressing that a lack of synergy between Nigeria and the Benin Republic has impeded mutual development.

The President also stated that Nigeria appreciates the economic programme being implemented by the administration of the Benin Republic through inter-ministerial collaboration.

Tinubu added that Nigeria and the Benin Republic have common ideas, describing the two countries’ relationship as “very cordial.”

The President further stated that Nigeria and the Republic of Benin should share common economic priorities.

“We are one. No other nation like ours should be worried. What is affecting us is a lack of synergy. 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,” he said.

President Talon termed his country’s relationship with Nigeria as crucial.

“Benin has started implementing a national development plan which includes enhanced integration between Nigeria and the Benin Republic. Our development plan includes taking into account what investments are required in Benin to enhance our integration with Nigeria in trade terms. Many agreements have indeed been signed to push our integration forward, but they have not been implemented,” he said.