Africa remains centerpiece of Nigeria’s economic, foreign policy —  Tinubu 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said Africa has been the centerpiece of Nigeria’s foreign policy and stressed Nigeria’s readiness of improving relations with other countries.

Tinubu said Nigeria will sustain its spotlight on African countries as the fulcrum of its policies on the economy and foreign policy, assuring that trade issues, security, and border controls will be mutually implemented. 

“I believe in Africa. We have to grow the continent. The world’s economy is wobbling, and Africa has been left behind. On risk factors, Africa is always placed high, with higher interest rates on borrowing. We are always classified as high-risk. We must work together for systematic recovery and growth,” he added.

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He stated this while receiving the President of Benin Republic, Patrice Talon, after the Summit on New Global Financing Pact in Paris, France, A statement by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy, Dele Alake confirmed. 

The President noted that bilateral relations with African countries, particularly at the sub-regional level will be enhanced for shared benefits in areas of security, health, energy, education, and diplomacy.

He described Nigeria’s relations with Benin as that of siamese twins, joined at the hips, and supported by other friendly countries. 

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“We must recognize the fact that we need each other. We are in a loop and no one should separate us, ” he stated, assuring that his administration will always be open and accessible to all neighbouring countries. 

“I just appointed someone who will work with you as Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, and he will be available for our common interest.” 

Earlier, the President of Benin said he was inspired with renewed hope for the sub-region and Africa at the inauguration of President Tinubu in Abuja, pledging to provide support on trade and security policy, especially at the borders.

He said Benin is prepared to work with Tinubu in implementing policies that will protect economies at land and sea entries, saying whatever is forbidden in Nigeria will also be forbidden in Benin.