FG debunks claims Benin Republic is aspiring to be Nigeria’s 37th state

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has debunked reports in the media that the Republic of Benin is aspiring to be the 37 State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

A press statement signed by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Ferdinand Nwonye made available to pressmen on Saturday said the minister of Foreign Affairs was quoted out of context and the general public should kindly disregard the wrong information.

The statement reads in part: “The minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama in the presence of his counterpart from the Republic of Benin granted a press interview after a very fruitful meeting between Ministerial delegations from both countries and stated therein.

“However, the President of Benin Republic said he would like the relations between the two countries to be so close as if Benin was the 37th State of Nigeria.”