The visit took place shortly after the Chamber's high-level delegation concluded a successful working visit to the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Cotonou, Republic of Benin, where discussions centered on strengthening bilateral trade relations and the proposed categorization and registration of Nigerian-owned businesses operating in the Republic of Benin.

The NB-CCI delegation, led by the President, Alhaji Fatai Adegboyega Shokunbi, was warmly received by the Manager of the Border Information Centre, Mr. Ayodele Adeeko, who welcomed the team on behalf of the Nigerian Shippers' Council.

Mr. Adeeko commended the leadership of the Chamber for its remarkable achievements within a relatively short period, particularly its recent accreditation by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA). He noted that the establishment of a dedicated bilateral Chamber focused exclusively on Nigeria–Benin trade relations is a significant development that will complement ongoing efforts to improve trade facilitation and regional economic integration.

During the meeting, the President of NB-CCI expressed appreciation to the management of the Border Information Centre for the warm reception and reaffirmed the Chamber's commitment to building strong institutional partnerships with agencies responsible for trade facilitation and border management.

He emphasized that the Chamber was established to serve as a strategic platform for promoting legitimate trade, investment, industrial cooperation, and private sector development between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Benin. He further noted that collaboration with institutions such as the Nigerian Shippers' Council is essential to achieving the Chamber's vision of creating a more efficient, transparent, and business-friendly cross-border trading environment.

The Director-General of the Chamber, Mr. Emmanuel Essien, briefed the meeting on the Chamber's ongoing programmes and institutional developments, including the deployment of its fully automated digital platform designed to streamline membership management, business registration, certification, stakeholder engagement, and digital service delivery.

He also highlighted the Chamber's recent engagement with the Nigerian Embassy in Cotonou, where discussions focused on establishing a collaborative framework for the identification, categorization, and registration of Nigerian-owned businesses operating in the Republic of Benin. According to him, the initiative will enhance business visibility, strengthen economic diplomacy, improve access to business support services, and promote structured engagement between the Nigerian Government and the Nigerian business community in Benin.

The discussions further underscored the importance of closer collaboration among government agencies, trade support institutions, and the organized private sector in addressing barriers to cross-border trade, improving the dissemination of trade information, supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and facilitating the effective implementation of regional trade protocols under ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Both organizations expressed a shared commitment to exploring areas of mutual cooperation, including stakeholder sensitization, capacity-building programmes, trade facilitation initiatives, policy advocacy, and the development of practical solutions that will enhance the ease of doing business along the Nigeria–Benin corridor.

The visit concluded on a cordial note, with both the Nigeria–Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Nigerian Shippers' Council reaffirming their commitment to strengthening institutional collaboration in support of seamless cross-border trade and sustainable economic development.

The Nigeria–Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Ayodele Adeeko and the entire team at the Border Information Centre for their warm hospitality, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to promoting efficient border management and trade facilitation.

As the Chamber continues to expand its engagements with key stakeholders, it remains steadfast in its mission of fostering stronger partnerships that will unlock new opportunities for businesses, facilitate regional integration, and contribute to the economic prosperity of both the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.