Former President Ernest Bai Koroma paid a courtesy call on Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, to thank Nigeria for its steadfast friendship, solidarity and support.
The meeting took place just days after Koroma participated in the ECOWAS Mid-Year Statutory Meetings and the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, hosted in Lungi and Freetown, Sierra Leone, from July 12–19 under the chairmanship of President Julius Maada Bio.
According to the Office of the Former President, Koroma personally expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, the Nigerian government and the people of Nigeria for their unwavering backing during a turbulent chapter in Sierra Leone’s recent history.
He also praised Nigeria’s leadership within ECOWAS, highlighting its contributions to regional dialogue, peace, stability and democratic governance.
Both leaders reaffirmed the deep historical ties between Sierra Leone and Nigeria, stressing that dialogue, mutual respect and regional cooperation remain vital for peace, democracy and sustainable development across West Africa. The visit underscored Koroma’s ongoing commitment to strengthening partnerships, promoting reconciliation, democratic governance and service to Sierra Leone.
Koroma, who served as Sierra Leone’s president from 2007 to 2018, had lived in Nigeria since January 2024 under an ECOWAS-brokered arrangement after being charged in connection with an alleged November 2023 coup attempt. He travelled to Abuja for medical treatment after a court granted leave, with Nigeria providing hospitality and support facilitated by President Tinubu and National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
In mid-July 2026, Sierra Leone’s Attorney General discontinued the treason and related charges against him under Section 45 of the Criminal Procedure Act, citing health grounds among other factors, as part of broader efforts toward national peace and reconciliation. Koroma publicly thanked President Bio, Tinubu, ECOWAS leaders and others for their roles in resolving the matter. He then returned to Sierra Leone on July 19 to attend the ECOWAS summit as a guest before travelling back to Abuja for the courtesy visit.
Nigeria’s Presidency and officials, including Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the reception with photographs from the State House. The encounter highlights Nigeria’s continued role as a key stabilising force in West Africa and the enduring personal and institutional links between the two countries.
