On the sidelines of the official welcoming ceremony organized in honour of Her Excellency, Ambassador Ibrahim Adeola Mopelola, following her assumption of duty as Nigeria's Ambassador to the Republic of Benin at the Nigeria House in Cotonou, the President of the Nigeria–Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NBCCI), Alhaji Fatai Adegboyega Shokunbi, held a strategic engagement with the President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Women's Wing in Benin (NIDOWWIB), Mme Olanma Ojukwu.

The meeting formed part of the Chamber's broader stakeholder engagement strategy aimed at building productive partnerships with organizations and institutions that contribute to the welfare, economic empowerment, and advancement of Nigerians and businesses operating within the Nigeria–Benin corridor.

During the discussions, both leaders explored several areas of common interest and identified opportunities for collaboration that would enhance economic participation, entrepreneurship development, women empowerment, and cross-border business growth between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.

Speaking during the engagement, Alhaji Fatai Adegboyega Shokunbi highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships in achieving the objectives of the Chamber. He noted that Nigerians living and conducting business in the Republic of Benin constitute an important stakeholder group whose contributions to trade, investment, and economic activities continue to strengthen relations between the two neighbouring countries.

The NBCCI President emphasized that the Chamber remains committed to creating platforms that support business development, facilitate market access, improve trade opportunities, and promote stronger economic cooperation among stakeholders across both countries.

He further noted that women entrepreneurs and professionals play a critical role in regional economic development and that the Chamber is particularly interested in initiatives that encourage greater participation of women in trade, investment, and enterprise development.

In her remarks, Mme Olanma Ojukwu, President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Women's Wing in Benin (NIDOWWIB), expressed appreciation for the engagement and welcomed the opportunity to establish a working relationship with the Nigeria–Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

She acknowledged the important role being played by the Chamber in strengthening bilateral economic relations and expressed confidence that collaboration between both organizations would create meaningful opportunities for Nigerian women and businesses operating within the Republic of Benin.

Both parties agreed to explore collaborative initiatives in the areas of:

• Women Entrepreneurship Development
• Cross-Border Trade Promotion
• Capacity Building and Skills Development
• Business Networking and Market Linkages
• Youth and Women Economic Empowerment
• Investment Promotion
• Community Development Initiatives
• Trade Information and Advocacy
• Regional Integration and Private Sector Development

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to maintain close engagement and develop practical frameworks for cooperation that will deliver measurable benefits to members of both organizations and contribute to the broader objectives of Nigeria–Benin economic integration.

The Nigeria–Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry continues to expand its network of strategic partnerships across government, diplomatic, private sector, and community organizations as part of its mandate to serve as a bridge for trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.