Nigeria’s Vice-President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Cotonou to represent President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of President-elect Romuald Wadagni.

Wadagni, who previously served as Benin Republic’s finance minister, won the country’s presidential election held on April 12 by a wide margin, ushering in a new political administration in the West African nation.

The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sunday at the presidential palace in Cotonou.

In a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, spokesperson to the vice-president, the Nigerian delegation joined several African leaders, diplomats, and foreign representatives attending the historic event.

According to the statement, Shettima’s presence at the inauguration reflects the strong diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Benin Republic, particularly in areas such as trade, border relations, and regional security cooperation.

Both countries are members of the Economic Community of West African States and continue to work closely on issues relating to regional integration and security across West Africa.

Meanwhile, security has been significantly strengthened in Cotonou ahead of the inauguration ceremony.

Reports indicated that Nigerian troops were deployed to key locations across the city as part of broader regional security arrangements designed to ensure a peaceful and secure event.

Security operations have reportedly been intensified around major roads, government buildings, strategic installations, and the Presidential Palace in preparation for the arrival of visiting dignitaries and international delegations.

The inauguration is expected to attract heads of state, government officials, and diplomatic representatives from across Africa and other parts of the world.

Planned activities for the occasion include official state ceremonies, the formal transfer of presidential insignia, and a ceremonial procession connected to events in Porto-Novo, the administrative capital of Benin Republic.

Vice-President Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria after the conclusion of the inauguration events.

Photo Credit : Opeyemi Adelani