President Bola Tinubu on Friday evening received President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, at a time when the Donald Trump administration in the United States is reportedly threatening military action against Nigeria over alleged religious persecution.
Although the Presidency did not release official details of their closed-door meeting, sources believe discussions centred on regional peace, security, and deeper economic integration within West Africa.
President Bio, who currently chairs the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), took over the leadership of the regional bloc from President Tinubu in June. Friday’s engagement comes four months after Bio assumed the chairmanship.
Posting on his verified X account, the Sierra Leonean leader announced his arrival in Abuja, stating that he would be speaking at the 12th Convocation Ceremony of Baze University and also meeting with African business leaders while in Nigeria.
This visit marks President Bio’s first official trip to Nigeria since he became ECOWAS chairman. Both leaders are expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation on democracy promotion, counterterrorism, and sustainable development across the sub-region.
Baze University, a private institution in Abuja, reportedly extended the convocation invitation to President Bio in recognition of the Sierra Leonean government’s heavy focus on education reform, youth empowerment, and innovation over the years.
