TREATIES

 

WE, the Heads of State and Government of the Republic of Benin, the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Togolese Republic.

Meeting in Abuja, at Summit level on 8 February 2007, to strengthen the mutually beneficial traditional links of friendship and economic cooperation existing between our three countries and peoples;

Concerned by the persistent marginalization of African States;

Recognizing that one of the most practical means of addressing Africa’s marginalization is instituting a sustained cooperation between the three States and implementing concrete common actions, on the basis of a coherent integration programme;

Desirous of putting in place a suitable and equitable institutional framework and alliance which emphasize shared economic development and growth; free movement of goods, persons, capital and services; harmonization of monetary and investment policies and mechanisms; and the equitable sharing of gains and costs;

HEREBY AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

 

ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE

 

ESTABLISHMENT

 

There is hereby established between the three countries, an ALLIANCE FOR CO-PROSPERITY (Hereinafter referred to as “ALLIANCE”)

PURPOSE

 

The Alliance is established for the following purposes:

i).         The three States freely choose to integrate their national economies on the basis of common platform that seeks to promote interests in dealing with               shared visions and concerns arising from the imperatives of global competitiveness and inter-dependence;

1. ii) The three states share sufficient mutual aspirations as to commit themselves at the political leadership and followership levels to the endeavour, and

iii)        The three states propose, in due course, to admit other like-minded neighbours desirous of participating in the Alliance.