By Mohamed KaiKai
Julius Maada Bio has requested the postponement of a regional summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) that was due to be held in June in Sierra Leone, citing delays in completing a new $124 million international conference centre.
The facility, located in Lungi near the country’s main international airport, is one of the largest infrastructure projects undertaken by Bio’s administration and is expected to significantly boost Sierra Leone’s capacity to host high-level international events.
In a request to ECOWAS officials, Bio said more time was needed to ensure the venue is ready to host the gathering of West African leaders, according to local media reports.
The proposed postponement underscores the importance the government has placed on showcasing the new conference centre as a symbol of national development and regional engagement.
Construction of the complex has been ongoing as part of broader efforts to upgrade the country’s infrastructure and attract investment. Once completed, the centre is expected to serve as a hub for diplomatic meetings, business forums and global conferences.
ECOWAS has not yet publicly confirmed a new date for the summit.
