Bénin’s president romuald wadagni kicks off first foreign trip in Nigeria

Just one week after his inauguration, Bénin’s newly elected president Romuald Wadagni has set off on his maiden official trip abroad, choosing Nigeria as the destination. The visit, which began on June 1, 2026, marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties between the two West African neighbors.

A strategic partnership at the heart of the agenda

The high-profile meeting in Lagos between Wadagni and Nigerian president Bola Ahmed Tinubu took place behind closed doors, focusing on key areas of mutual interest. Discussions centered on economic and industrial integration, energy cooperation, maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, and the evolving situation across the West African region. The future of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was also high on the agenda.

The choice of Nigeria as the first foreign destination for Wadagni’s official trip underscores the critical importance of this relationship for Bénin. Often referred to by locals as “the giant of the East”, Nigeria is not only Bénin’s largest trading partner but also a key player in regional stability and economic integration.

Economic ties and regional dynamics

With a shared border stretching 809 kilometers, Bénin and Nigeria have maintained official diplomatic relations since 1961. Their economic partnership has grown significantly, with the Port of Cotonou serving as a vital gateway for Nigerian goods destined for landlocked countries in the subregion. In 2024, formal Béninois exports to Nigeria surged by over 90%, reflecting the deepening economic interdependence.

This visit follows efforts by both countries to rebuild trust after the border closure between 2019 and 2020, which disrupted trade flows and strained relations. Since the reopening, Abuja and Cotonou have worked to restore cooperation, with recent initiatives aimed at deepening bilateral ties and facilitating smoother exchanges.

After wrapping up his engagements in Lagos, President Wadagni is scheduled to visit Niamey in Niger and Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso on June 2, 2026. These trips symbolize a renewed commitment to mending strained relations with neighboring inland countries, which have deteriorated in recent years.

The presidential delegation’s itinerary highlights the new administration’s foreign policy priorities, emphasizing regional collaboration and economic resilience as cornerstones of Bénin’s development strategy.