President Olusegun Obasanjo has ordered that ten vehicles fitted with communications equipment be provided for the immediate commencement of joint patrols along Nigeria�s border with Benin Republic.
President Obasanjo gave the order at a meeting with the new President of Benin Republic, Dr. Boni Yayi at his farm in Ota, Ogun State. The move is aimed at reviewing the border posts between Nigeria and Benin Republic with a view to harnessing efforts to improve bilateral trade between both countries.
A statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media, Mrs Oluremi Oyo, said the President also called for an enhanced security at border posts between the two countries and greater collaboration between their officials to curb smuggling across their joint borders.
He recommended the establishment of a joint commission between Nigeria and Benin Republic, which will meet bi-annually at the presidential level to review progress in the strengthening of bilateral relations between them. President Obasanjo pledged that Nigeria would continue to do its best to help in satisfying Benin Republic�s need for the supply of petroleum products.
Source: The Guardian Newspapers