Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu and officials of the Republic of Benin have commenced discussion on the establishment of a dry port on the Nigeria-Benin border.
This followed a meeting between Bagudu and President of the West African nation, Boni Yayi in Cotonou, during which they held talks on measures needed to stem disputes on the two countries common border.
Atiku had told Yayi that the Kebbi Government would establish a dry Port at Illo, a border town with Benin Republic to engender economic activities in the area.
According to the governor, who said that the state would construct roads, the border area development project would stop the recurring conflict among communities in both countries.
In view of this, President Yayi had pledged to ensure the success of the project especially as it would cement the relationship between the two countries and also foster African integration.
According to the General Manager, Port of Cotonou, Dr. Samuel Katcho, who led the Benin delegation in the discussion told NAN that the project would strengthen economic ties between his country and Nigeria, noting that already, 35 percent of business activities at the Cotonou port involved Nigerians.
