By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FEWACCI) threw its weight behind the Benin-Nigeria Business Forum (BNBF 2026), praising the governments of Benin and Nigeria for their commitment to deepening economic ties.
The Forum, which took place in Lagos yesterday, unlocked new opportunities for businesses, investors, and financial institutions, positioning Lagos as a key player in West Africa’s economic growth story. With the ECOWAS framework and AfCFTA in place, the stage was set for a surge in trade, investment, and industrial collaboration.
FEWACCI commended the efforts of the organisers in promoting regional economic integration and looked forward to the outcomes of the Forum. The Federation is committed to supporting Lagos-based banks, investment funds, and enterprises in structuring bankable cross-border projects, leveraging ECOWAS instruments, and mitigating operational and regulatory risks.
This support is expected to attract billions of dollars in trade and investment deals. FEWACCI’s involvement in the Forum underscores its commitment to promoting regional economic cooperation and growth.
Speaking at the event, Alhaji Yahaya Idris, President of the Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA), welcomed the Forum, highlighting its potential to boost cross-border commerce, particularly along the Badagry-Seme corridor.
Alhaji Idris commended FEWACCI’s efforts in promoting private-sector collaboration and economic integration, saying BACCIMA had been at the forefront of advocating for the formalisation of informal cross-border trade and reducing multiple checkpoints along the border axis. The Chamber had also partnered with the Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as GDIZ, to strengthen regional value chains and promote industrialisation.
He further explained that the introduction of Biometric Identification Cards for cross-border traders operating along the Badagry-Seme axis was a significant milestone, and BACCIMA was pleased that the initiative had been recently launched by the Nigerian Immigration Service. This move is expected to enhance trade security, trader identification, and ease of movement across borders.
“The Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) in Benin is poised to be a game-changer, offering Lagos-based businesses a competitive platform to tap into regional markets. The Forum attracted billions of dollars in trade and investment deals”.
Newspoint247 reports that the success of the Forum is expected to have far-reaching implications for the region, promoting economic integration, industrialisation, and economic growth. The event brought together key stakeholders to promote regional economic cooperation and growth.
