The governments of Nigeria and Benin Republic have agreed to strengthen the economic and security cooperation between both countries.

Addressing a joint press conference after a closed door meeting between President Muhammadu Buhari and President Boni Yayi of Benin Republic, the two presidents also agreed to promote efforts towards regional integration.

They pledged to put in place necessary mechanisms to further strengthen regional integration under the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) and the Co-Prosperity Alliance Zone (COPAZ).

President Buhari, expressed satisfactions with Benin Republic for identifying with the current efforts at fighting terrorism under the auspices of the Lake Chad Basin Commission.

President Iyayi, who spoke in the French through an interpreter, also said that Nigeria and other West African countries have to do more in the area of border co-operation, climate change and power generation in the sub-region.

He commended President Buhari for the coordination of the fight against Boko Haram pledging the continuous support of his country.

President Buhari said with what has already been put in place and with the huge deployment of men and materials in the north east, the heat is already on the insurgents.

The president expressed gratitude to Benin Republic for identifying with the Lake Chad Basin Commission and their contribution in the fight against Boko Haram.

•Photo shows President Buhari