The Nigeria–Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NB-CCI) has engaged the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on opportunities to strengthen regulatory cooperation, promote product safety and facilitate legitimate cross-border trade between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.

The meeting provided a platform for constructive dialogue on issues affecting pharmaceutical products, health and nutrition goods, business formalisation, and the movement of regulated products across the Nigeria–Benin corridor.

Representing NB-CCI, the Director-General, Mr. Emmanuel Essien, reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to promoting legitimate trade, investment, private-sector collaboration and economic integration between the two neighbouring countries.

He emphasised the importance of collaboration between regulatory authorities, government institutions, organised private-sector organisations and business communities in addressing the challenges associated with counterfeit, falsified, substandard and unregistered products while protecting public health and supporting lawful commercial activities.

Promoting Bilateral Regulatory Cooperation

A key focus of the engagement was the need to strengthen dialogue between Nigeria and Benin on pharmaceutical regulation, product safety and the requirements governing the cross-border movement of regulated goods.

NB-CCI expressed its interest in working with NAFDAC and the relevant authorities in Benin to improve access to reliable regulatory information, encourage compliance among businesses and support more effective communication between regulators and cross-border traders.

The Chamber also highlighted the importance of building on existing institutional relationships between the regulatory authorities of both countries, with a view to identifying practical areas for cooperation and avoiding duplication of existing initiatives.

Supporting Safe and Compliant Pharmaceutical Trade

The meeting explored opportunities to promote a safe, transparent and compliant pharmaceutical trade environment along the Nigeria–Benin corridor.

Proposed areas of cooperation included product registration and verification, traceability, stakeholder awareness, regulatory information sharing and the identification of operational challenges affecting legitimate businesses.

NB-CCI emphasised that improved access to accurate information on applicable regulatory requirements would help businesses make informed decisions, reduce misunderstandings and strengthen compliance with the laws and procedures of both countries.

The Chamber also expressed interest in exploring a framework that could improve the predictability and efficiency of legitimate pharmaceutical trade without compromising public-health safeguards or the responsibilities of the relevant regulatory authorities.

Digital Information and Stakeholder Engagement

Recognising the importance of accessible and reliable information in cross-border commerce, NB-CCI highlighted its plans to develop a digital platform to support businesses and other stakeholders with relevant trade and regulatory-compliance information.

The proposed platform is intended to improve access to practical guidance on applicable requirements for the movement of goods across the Nigeria–Benin corridor.

The Chamber expressed its willingness to work with NAFDAC to ensure that information relating to the Agency’s regulatory responsibilities is accurate, appropriately presented and consistent with official guidance.

NB-CCI believes that effective information sharing can help bridge communication gaps, improve awareness of regulatory obligations and encourage greater participation in legitimate trade.

Formalisation of MSMEs and Cross-Border Traders

The engagement also addressed opportunities to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), particularly businesses involved in informal and small-scale cross-border trade.

NB-CCI highlighted the importance of helping traders understand applicable registration and compliance requirements and connecting them with the appropriate institutions for guidance.

The discussions recognised the potential for greater stakeholder sensitisation and capacity building for traders, manufacturers, distributors, transport operators and other participants in the cross-border trading ecosystem.

Particular attention was given to locally produced goods and health-related products, including infant food and nutrition products. The discussion underscored the need for businesses to obtain the appropriate regulatory guidance and approvals before marketing or exporting products into the Beninese market.

Building a Practical Framework for Cooperation

NB-CCI expressed interest in developing a structured programme of engagement with NAFDAC, potentially covering technical consultations, stakeholder sensitisation, regulatory information dissemination and further dialogue with the relevant authorities in Benin.

The Chamber also proposed continued engagement to identify practical measures that could support legitimate businesses, strengthen consumer protection and improve cooperation along the Nigeria–Benin corridor.

The proposals are intended to complement existing regulatory arrangements and remain subject to the applicable procedures and approvals of the relevant institutions.

NB-CCI’s Commitment to Regional Trade and Economic Integration

The engagement reflects NB-CCI’s broader commitment to strengthening economic relations between Nigeria and Benin through institutional cooperation, private-sector engagement and practical initiatives that support legitimate commerce.

As a platform connecting businesses and stakeholders across the two countries, the Chamber seeks to contribute to a trading environment characterised by regulatory compliance, consumer protection, transparent procedures and improved access to commercial opportunities.

NB-CCI recognises that sustainable cross-border trade requires effective collaboration among regulatory agencies, diplomatic institutions, business associations, manufacturers, distributors and border communities.

The Chamber will continue to pursue constructive engagement with NAFDAC and other relevant stakeholders to clarify regulatory requirements, improve stakeholder awareness and identify opportunities for practical cooperation.

Through dialogue, partnership and responsible private-sector engagement, NB-CCI remains committed to advancing safe, compliant and mutually beneficial trade between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.

About NB-CCI

The Nigeria–Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NB-CCI) is committed to promoting bilateral trade, investment, business partnerships and economic cooperation between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin. Through stakeholder engagement, trade facilitation initiatives and institutional collaboration, the Chamber works to strengthen commercial relations and support businesses operating across the Nigeria–Benin corridor.

Email: contact@ngbncci.com 

Website: www.ngbncci.com