How proposed Nigeria-Benin Joint Commission will facilitate trade, by stakeholders
By Fredrick Wright
Stakeholders across Nigeria’s border states have stressed the need for the establishment of the Nigeria-Benin Permanent Joint Commission in order to facilitate cross-border trade.
The stakeholders, during a consultative meeting on the proposed Nigeria-Benin Joint Commission held at Chikanda, Kwara State, stressed the need for the government to put in place infrastructures in order to aid trade.
Representatives from all states sharing border with Benin Republic namely Lagos, Oyo, Kwara, Ogun, Kebbi state were at the consultative meeting, calling for support to actualize the proposed joint commission.
Vice Chairman of Baruten Local Government, Kwara State, Mrs. Halimat Ahmed lamented the total neglect of her community, Gwanara in Baruten Local Government, despite the fact that the community is the food basket of Kwara State.
She bemoaned the poor infrastructure, especially the absence of common basic needs such as rural electrification, clean water supply, schools and health centers for women and children.
Chairman of the Interim Steering Committee of Nigeria-Benin joint commission, Ambassador Kayode Oguntuase, emphasized the need for the establishment of the commission between Nigeria and Benin Republic
He noted that Benin is ready and willing to be part of the commission
The President of Kwara Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture, (KWACCIMA), doubled as the spokesperson for NACCIMA and the Northern region Chamber, (CONCCIMA), Olalekan Fatai Ayodimeji, highlighted the importance of establishing the joint commission at this crucial time when Nigeria is keying into the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
He expressed readiness of the organized private sector, particularly in Kwara State to do everything possible towards the realization of the joint commission, and the development of the international border market at Chikanda.
He urged Kwara State Government should hasten to provide the necessary infrastructures such as good roads and rails that will ease trade between Chikanda and the rest of Kwara State.
The Kwara State Government representative, Mr. Olayioye Ajide, Director, Personnel Management of the Ministry of Business Innovation and Technology, indicated the state government’s readiness to provide basic requirement towards making the Proposed Nigeria-Benin Permanent Joint Commission a reality for the betterment of the people of the state.
President of West African Association for Cross-Border Trade, in Agro-forestry-pastoral and Fisheries Products (WACTAF), Alhaji Salami Alasoadura lamented the cross-border trade challenges between the two countries.
He said the proposed commission would promote trade, culture and generate revenue to Nigeria and make South West the connectivity between West Africa and Central Africa.
