ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria and Liberia have pledged to strengthen economic cooperation and deepen bilateral relations, with a renewed focus on trade, investment, youth development and regional collaboration.
The commitment was reiterated during a high-level meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, and Liberia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ethel Davis, in Abuja.
The development was contained in a statement issued by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Welcoming the Liberian delegation, Enikanolaiye described Nigeria-Liberia relations as rooted in shared history, African solidarity and mutual respect, recalling Nigeria’s role in restoring peace and stability in Liberia.
“The meeting provided an opportunity to deepen bilateral consultations, identify new areas of cooperation, and advance the welfare, prosperity, peace and security of our peoples,” he said.
In her remarks, Davis expressed Liberia’s appreciation for Nigeria’s longstanding support, particularly in peacebuilding, security sector reform and post-conflict reconstruction.
She also commended Nigeria’s role in training personnel of the Armed Forces of Liberia and called for expanded economic cooperation through increased participation of Nigerian investors in Liberia’s development.
Davis disclosed plans for a forthcoming Liberian Investment Summit in Lagos, expressing optimism that it would boost trade and commercial ties between both countries.
She further identified youth unemployment as a major challenge and urged stronger collaboration with Nigeria’s private sector to create jobs, stressing that inclusive growth depends on active private sector participation.
Responding, Enikanolaiye reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting private sector investment in Liberia, describing Nigeria’s youthful population as a strategic asset.
He highlighted opportunities for collaboration in financial technology, the creative industry and digital innovation, as well as youth exchange programmes, entrepreneurship and cultural cooperation.
The minister expressed confidence that the planned investment summit would open new pathways for business partnerships and economic expansion.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to sustained political consultations, increased trade and investment, human capital development, and closer cooperation within ECOWAS and other international platforms.
