Nigeria and its neighbor, Republic of Benin will today begin talks on how to tackle challenges raised by dispute over ownership of some border communities.

Kebbi State governor, Atiku Bagudu, will today visit Benin for a three-day official visit to initiate talks with the country on an amicable settlement of border dispute between the two neighbors.

According to the the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, the visit is on the instruction of Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, who had earlier discussed the matter with his Beninois counterpart, Boni Yayi, during a recent trip to the county.

Bagudu was accompanied on the visit by Benin Republic’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Muhutalo Laleye; director general of the National Boundary Commission, Mohammed Ahmed; and some consular officials.
The delegation will be received at the Nigeria/Benin Republic border at Illo by that country’s Prime Minister, Lionel Zinson, before moving to Cotonou for the crucial meeting.

Bagudu has expressed the hope that the meeting would find a lasting solution to border dispute between the two nations.

The governor has also pledged to construct a road to link the two countries, as part of efforts to enhance social and economic relations.

It would be recalled that the two countries are currently having dispute over ownership of some communities in Bagudu Local Government of Kebbi in Nigeria and Maladil in Benin.