Presidents of Benin and Togo on official visits to Nigeria [Photos]

The presidents of neighbouring West African countries Benin and Togo have paid official visits to Nigeria on Tuesday.

President Faure Gnassingbe of Togo arrived earlier in Lagos, the economic capital of the most populous country, and was met by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enalemah, President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote and some members of the business community.

President Faure Gnassingbe of Togo on tour of the Dangote Refinery & Petrochemical Plant, in Lagos pic.twitter.com/ngFiO8FYgh

— Lagos Facts (@FactsInLagos) August 2, 2016

Gov. AkinwunmiAmbode Receives President of the Republic of Togo, Mr. Faure Gnassingbe. AlikoDangote pic.twitter.com/sZLjgVVJML

— Babafemi Oretuyi (@Mofiobafemi) August 2, 2016

He first toured the Dangote Refinery, Gas and Petrochemical Plant which is valued at an estimated $14 billion covering 2135 hectares of land. It is expected to refine 650,000 barrels of oil per day.

President Gnassingbe was later received by President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja where they held diplomatic talks in the presence of other government officials from the two countries.

President Faure Gnassingbe of Togo visiting Pres MBuhari this aft, at the State House. Press Conference to follow pic.twitter.com/EksJg6ICEw

— Presidency Nigeria (NGRPresident) August 2, 2016

President Buhari today received in audience H.E. Mr Faure Gnassingbe, President of Republic of Togo pic.twitter.com/tgWok3ow1E

— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) August 2, 2016

On the other hand, newly elected president of Benin, Patrice Talon paid his first official visit as president to the neighbouring nation on Tuesday afternoon and was received by President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House in Abuja.

President MBuhari receives President Patrice Talon of Republic of Benin, today at the State House #BeninNGR pic.twitter.com/IfbpXrQe6l

— Presidency Nigeria (NGRPresident) August 2, 2016

The two spoke about strengthening ties in the security and energy sectors which is vital for the two neighbours. Also, President Buhari promised to restore their economic ties so as to eliminate illegal trade around their borders.

Earlier, President Buhari received President of the Republic of Benin, Mr Patrice Talon, at the Presidential Villa. pic.twitter.com/5bW8ohdDDV

— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) August 2, 2016

After his election in March, Patrice Talon was expected to embark on his first diplomatic visit to Nigeria, but he rather paid a courtesy call on his Ivorian counterpart in Abidjan.