Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has provided fresh details on the return of former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma to his country, describing the development as the successful conclusion of a diplomatic process led by Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The minister’s update comes after former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan earlier disclosed that he was at the airport to bid Koroma farewell as the former Sierra Leonean leader departed Nigeria.
In a post shared after the trip, Ojukwu revealed that she joined former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo in accompanying Koroma back to Sierra Leone to ensure what she described as his “safe and dignified return.”
“It was an emotional journey yesterday 6th Sept. 2026, and also a historic moment.
“After two and half years of exile in Nigeria, former Sierra Leone President Ernest Koroma was finally returning to his home country.
“His dear friend, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was at the Airport to bid him farewell.
“I was honoured, with former President of Nigeria, Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo to accompany and ensure the safe and dignified return of former President Ernest Koroma to his country.
“The atmosphere was electric and charged with jubilation as our plane touched down in Sierra Leone,” she wrote.
According to the minister, the Federal Government facilitated Koroma’s return following sustained diplomatic engagements undertaken in collaboration with ECOWAS.
She said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu noted that Koroma’s return marked the successful conclusion of a regional diplomatic and confidence-building process.
Ojukwu explained that Koroma relocated to Nigeria in January 2024 following ECOWAS mediation efforts aimed at promoting peace, political stability and dialogue in Sierra Leone during President Tinubu’s tenure as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
She said the mediation created conditions for improved understanding between Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio and Koroma, paving the way for the former leader’s return.
The minister added that Koroma’s conduct throughout his stay in Nigeria reflected restraint, statesmanship and a commitment to a peaceful resolution of the issues that led to his relocation.
She also said Nigeria expressed appreciation to ECOWAS and other stakeholders for their roles in resolving the matter, while thanking President Julius Maada Bio, former President Koroma and the people of Sierra Leone for their cooperation and commitment to peace.
Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional harmony, constitutional order and democratic stability, expressing confidence that Koroma’s return would further strengthen reconciliation and lasting peace in Sierra Leone.
