The creation of a Nigeria-Benin Republic Permanent Joint Commission will boost economic development and security in the two neighbouring countries.
The Chairman of the Steering Committee on the proposed commission, Amb Kayode Oguntuase made this known when he led an advocacy visit to the headquarters of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission at the Cocoa House, Ibadan, Oyo state.
“The joint commission will be charged with the responsibility of formulating the required basis to strengthen the relations between Nigeria and the Benin Republic, particularly in the field of, trade, economy, investment, energy, culture, human resources, skills science and technology, information technology, innovation, education, security and defence.
Oguntuase, a former Nigeria Ambassador to Benin Republic, stressed that the initiative to establish a permanent joint commission, was born out of the desires of the people of the two countries to enhance and deepen ties of fraternity and friendship.
”The joint commission is expected to leverage and transform the existing relations between the two countries into the level of strategic partnership,” he said.
Speaking further on the importance of the initiative, another member of the committee, Nassiru Salami, said’:” it will beneficial to the two countries, such as handling the border challenges between them.
“The commission will promote trade, culture and generate revenue for the two countries, particularly Nigeria,” he said.
He sought for the cooperation of the Southwest Governors, through the DAWN commission, in charting a course for the establishment of the proposed joint commission.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the DAWN commission, Mr Seye Oyeleye, commended the committee for the initiative.
Oyeleye who noted that the Nigeria-Benin Commission was long overdue, charged the committee to be objective and focused, on the economic benefits to be derived from establishing the commission.
He pledged that DAWN commission would give necessary support and assistance to the committee in carrying out its assignment successfully.
