During an interview with France 24 and Radio France internationale (Rfi), on Friday April 30, the Beninese president addressed the issue of the total reopening of the borders between Benin and Nigeria. According to him, the administrative burden would be the blocking factor.

Despite the will of the Heads of State of the two countries, the borders between Benin and its eastern neighbor are not completely open as announced a few months ago. Referring to the actions carried out and those envisaged for the total reopening, the President of the Republic noted the administrative heaviness which could possibly drag in the rapid outcome of this file which has become a concern for the citizens of the two countries.
He reassured that the teams are working on the real economic integration of the two countries and it will soon be a reality. “We want the customs, police and similar services of our two countries to be more in harmony so that these things do not happen again”, wished Patrice Talon. As a reminder, the borders between Benin and Nigeria have been closed by decision of the Nigerian government since August 2019.