President Bola Tinubu is currently holding a closed-door meeting with Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Bio, at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja. Bio, who arrived at the Villa’s forecourt at 12:22 pm on Monday, was received by the President’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila.
The meeting highlights the strong diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Sierra Leone, with both nations being active members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union.
Nigeria and Sierra Leone have enjoyed a long-standing relationship since their respective independences in the 1960s. Notably, Nigeria played a significant role in supporting Sierra Leone during its civil war from 1991 to 2002, particularly in peacekeeping efforts under the ECOWAS Monitoring Group. Both countries continue to collaborate on regional peace and stability.
Despite fluctuating trade relations, Nigeria’s exports to Sierra Leone were valued at approximately $5.55 million in 2023, covering products such as fertilizers, electronic equipment, and coffee, while Sierra Leone’s key exports to Nigeria included fats, oils, machinery, and rubber products.
This diplomatic engagement underscores the continued commitment of both leaders to fostering peace and economic cooperation in the West African region.