Nigeria has facilitated the return of former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma to his country after more than two years in Nigeria, following sustained diplomatic and confidence-building efforts aimed at promoting peace and political stability in Sierra Leone.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Koroma returned to Sierra Leone on Sunday, September 6, 2026, accompanied by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
According to the ministry, the trip was undertaken on the instruction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts to ensure Koroma’s “safe, orderly and dignified” return home.
Koroma had relocated to Nigeria in January 2024 following regional diplomatic interventions and confidence-building efforts undertaken by the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, under Tinubu’s chairmanship.
Nigeria Cites Progress in Diplomatic Efforts
The Federal Government said the former president was accorded privileges befitting his status as a former head of state during his stay in Nigeria.
The arrangement, according to the ministry, enabled Koroma to participate fully in diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving outstanding issues in a manner consistent with peace, national cohesion and democratic stability in Sierra Leone.
Following what the government described as “meaningful progress,” Nigeria concluded that sufficient conditions had been established for Koroma to return safely to his country.
“Nigeria considered it had sufficient basis for his safe and dignified return to his country,” the ministry said.
The government credited sustained engagement among regional stakeholders for creating the conditions necessary for the former president’s return.
It particularly acknowledged the role played by ECOWAS, the Government of Sierra Leone and other parties involved in the diplomatic process.
Nigeria Commends Bio, Koroma
The Federal Government also commended Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio and Koroma for their cooperation and commitment to the understanding that paved the way for the former president’s return.
It equally praised the people of Sierra Leone for their goodwill and support for efforts aimed at resolving the issues through dialogue.
Nigeria expressed confidence that Koroma’s return would contribute to national reconciliation and help strengthen political and democratic stability in Sierra Leone.
The development represents another phase in the regional diplomatic process that began following Koroma’s relocation to Nigeria in January 2024.
The Nigerian government said the engagement had focused on addressing outstanding issues through diplomacy while preserving peace and national cohesion in Sierra Leone.
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to West African Stability
Beyond Sierra Leone, the Federal Government reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace, constitutional order and stability across West Africa.
“Nigeria is confident that this development will foster national reconciliation, advance stability and consolidate democratic peace in Sierra Leone,” the ministry said.
It added that Nigeria remained committed to promoting “regional harmony, peace, stability, constitutional order and development in the West Africa sub-region.”
The statement was signed by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi.
Koroma served as President of Sierra Leone before leaving office in 2018. His return brings to an end his more than two-year stay in Nigeria under an arrangement that Abuja described as the product of sustained regional diplomatic intervention.
