By Sulaimon Salau
The proposed Nigeria- Benin Joint Commission is expected to leverage and transform the existing relations between the two nations into a level of strategic partnership that will boost trade and security of the countries.
The stakeholders during a consultative meeting held in Ibadan to chart a course for the establishment of the proposed Joint Commission between Nigeria and Benin, enjoined the necessary authorities to embrace the initiative, which is aimed at solving cross-border trade challenges.
Speaking at the meeting, the Executive Chairman, West African Association for Cross-Border Trade and Agro-Forestry-Pastoral, Fishery Products and Food (WACTAF), Alhaji Nassiru Alasoadua Salami, the successes of the Nigeria -Niger Joint Commission in term of trade facilitation, culture and other Infrastructures between the two countries, necessitated the need for Nigeria-Benin Joint Commission.
“The commission has done a lot of important achievement between Nigeria and Niger in term of Trade facilitation, culture and other Infrastructures between the two countries.
The Achievement for connecting railway line between Kano and Maradi is one of the important achievements to develop trade barrier between the two countries for them to promote trade between Nigeria and achieve African Continental free zone,” he stated.
Salami said the Nigeria- Benin Commission is long overdue, urging the stakeholders to work together to achieve the noble objectives.
He acknowledged the efforts of the Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA) and the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Seme Chapters towards the actualisation of the joint commission.
“Today, we are having trading challenges to trade between Nigeria and Benin where the government of Benin is imposing duty on goods in transit passing through their territory because of volume put in place by our country.
“This is ridiculous when Nigerian government is asking Benin to provide security for smugglers, for example; some of Nigeria Customs Command along Nigeria and Benin Border has about more than 300 staff while Benin has 10 to 15.”
He said the group has worked so hard in solving some the problems faced between Nigeria and Benin, which is causing setback to trade in both communities.
In some cases, he said the traders would have to reroute some exports through Niger Republic, which is longer than going through Benin Republic, in other to avoid paying duties in Benin.
Salami said reason for Nigeria and Benin Commission is to; promote trade, culture and generate revenue to Nigeria and make South West the connectivity between West Africa and Central Africa.
On security challenge and the lack of job, which is the major problem among the border community and infrastructures, he stressed the need to use a scheme for empowerment by providing small-scale corporative border community.
“WACTAF is trying to introduce export cooperative village and consumer village. Export cooperative village will deal with those cooperative who want to export their products while consumer cooperative will provide products to be supplied to the local consumer and some of manufacturers,” he said.
The Chairman of the Steering Committee on the Proposed Nigeria/Benin Republic Permanent Joint Commission, Ambassador Kayode Oguntuase, has said the proposed commission will boost economic development and security in the two countries.
Oguntuase, who is a former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, said the bilateral issue was very important because of the closeness of the two countries and most especially the economic benefits, which the creation of the commission would offer them.
He said: “The joint commission will be charged with the responsibility of formulating the required basis to strengthen the relations between Nigeria and Benin Republic, particularly in the field of, trade, economy, investment, energy, culture, human resources, skills science & technology, information technology, innovation, education, security and defence.
“The joint commission will also review agreements concluded in the past between the two countries and equally find suitable solutions for any issue in their implementation.
“The joint commission is expected to leverage and transform the existing relations between the two countries into the level of strategic partnership which will manifest itself in building robust and sustainable people to people and business to business relations among the people of Nigeria and Benin Republic.
“The commission will also strive towards enhancing the two countries and advance their share priorities which among others include ‘promoting socio-economic integration of the two countries, encourage and increase formal and legitimate trade and investments between the countries; develop a solid economic cooperation between Nigeria and Benin Republic through the Co-Prosperity, Alliance Zone (COPAZ), strengthen the fight against trans-border crimes and terrorism and promote the economic prosperity and security of the prosperous Lagos-Abidjan corridor.” He said.
