Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday urged a deeper strategic partnership between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin. According to him, stronger bilateral ties are essential to sustain economic and democratic gains across the West African sub-region.

Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of Beninese President Romuald Wadagni at the Presidential Palace in Cotonou, said both countries share “a common destiny rooted in history, culture, trade, and collective responsibility for regional security”.

“Our presence here in Cotonou underlines President Tinubu’s unwavering, deep-seated commitment to strengthening ties with our neighbours,” he said.

The VP described the relationship between the two countries as one built on centuries of social interaction, cultural affinity and economic interdependence that transcend political boundaries.

He said: “Our border with the Benin Republic stretches across nearly 600 kilometres, spanning six Nigerian states, including Kebbi State.

Our cultural and historical ties run deep—we intermarry, and our communities overlap. “There are Yoruba people on this side of the border just as there are in Nigeria. “Benin has a Borgu Province, while we have a Borgu Local Government Area in Niger State. We are essentially one people tied to a common destiny.”

According to him, both countries must continue to work together in promoting democratic governance, peace and economic prosperity across the ECOWAS sub-region.