Benin’s President Makes First Abuja Trip to Talk Trade, Security, and ECOWAS with Tinubu.

Benin’s President, Romuald Wadagni, traveled to Abuja on Monday for his first official bilateral visit since taking office in late May. The topic? Strengthening ties with Nigeria, Benin’s giant neighbor and biggest trading partner.

The two leaders sat down for talks that touched on everything from energy and industrial cooperation to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. They also weighed in on the future of ECOWAS, the region’s embattled political bloc.

Wadagni’s visit made at Tinubu’s invitation comes as trade between the two countries heats up. Benin’s formal exports to Nigeria jumped more than 90% in 2024. Meanwhile, Nigerian investors are showing growing interest in Benin’s Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone.

The two nations share an 809 kilometer border and a busy trade corridor. Ongoing projects like the Sèmè-Kraké joint border post, the West African Gas Pipeline, and a business forum held last January show just how deep the cooperation already runs.

For now, both sides say they’re committed to deepening ties economically and regionally.