By Suleiman Anyalewechi
Nigerian authorities have commenced talks with their Republic of Benin counterparts on the possibilities of re-opening the all-important Segbana-Tasimiya border between the two sister countries in Kebbi State
A high powered Nigerian delegation led by the Foreign Affairs Minister Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Tuga, on Tuesday, May 21, met with the Beniniouse delegation in Segbana to fast track the process of reopening the border posts which has been closed for sometimes now.
A statement issued on Wednesday, May 22, by the Nigerian Customs Service NCS Spokesman, Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, which Comptroller General, Bashir Adewale, was part of the Nigerian delegation, noted that the re opening of the border will enhance regional integration and boost economic activities between the two countries.
According to the statement, talks between, the two ECOWAS member States centered largely on issues pertaining to the reopening of the border, logistics, security measures, and the expected economic gains from the reopening exercise.
Feasibility studies were also presented, outlining expected benefits such as increased trade as well as potential challenges.
The meeting equally deliberated on a possible timeline and necessary infrastructural facilities needed for a smooth operation.
The CG NCS at the meeting affirmed that engagement between the two countries has the potentials of impacting positively on their economic growth and development.
Adeniyi noted that the aim of the engagement is to improve the free flow of trade and commercial activities between Nigeria and Benin Republic, particularly through the Northern Border posts.
“To ensure closer working and economic relations between Nigeria and Benin Republic, over the last six months within this collaborative framework , we have been working with our colleagues from the Beninouse Customs Administration to ensure that we bring the economy together through easy border crossing with goods” the CGC stated .
“The Director General of the Benin Republic Customs Administration, Adidjatou Hassan, appreciated the move to reopen the border which, according to him, will strengthen trading activities between the citizens of the two 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 on our borders, ” Hassan stated .
The Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs ,informed that the meeting was in response to the directives of president Bola Tinubu and his Benin Republic counterpart Patrice Talon to strengthen social and economic interaction ,as well as expand trade and commercial ties between the citizens of the two countries .
Other members of the Nigerian delegation to the meeting were the ke3bbi State Government, Nasir Idris, representative of the Federal Ministry of Finance Alhaji Ali Mohammed, and Alabo George, Director General, Border Communities Development Agency among others.
The two countries concluded with a formal statement of commitment as well as an agreement on a scheduled follow-up meeting in June this year.
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