๐๐ฎ๐ง๐ ๐ข ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ง๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐ข๐ซ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ, ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ค๐จ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ญ, 5 ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐ 2026 – His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has conducted an inspection tour of the ongoing construction of the Conference Centre and Presidential Villas at Lungi, reaffirming his Governmentโs unwavering commitment to infrastructure development and national transformation ahead of the forthcoming 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, scheduled for next month.
The inspection formed part of the Governmentโs preparations to host the high-level regional summit and provided the President with an opportunity to assess progress on one of Sierra Leoneโs most ambitious infrastructure projects.
The multi-purpose complex comprises Presidential Villas, a Presidential Conference Hall, a banquet hall, a dedicated media and press facility, a 1,500-seat auditorium, a five-star hotel, a recreational plaza, and other modern amenities designed to position Sierra Leone as a premier destination for regional and international conferences.
Welcoming the President, Chairman of the Office of Presidential Infrastructure Initiatives (OPII), Dr. Eldred Taylor, thanked him for the visit and commended his vision and leadership in advancing major infrastructure projects across the country.
Dr. Taylor informed the President that construction progress on the overall project is far advanced, with significant work recorded across all major components of the development.
He described President Bio as a transformational leader whose infrastructure agenda is laying the foundation for long-term economic growth and national development.
โThe Conference Centre will significantly enhance Sierra Leoneโs capacity to host regional and international conferences, boost tourism, attract investment, and contribute to increased passenger traffic through Lungi International Airport,โ Dr. Taylor stated.
According to Dr. Taylor, the Presidential Hall, designed to accommodate Heads of State and delegates, the banquet hall, and the main plenary facilities are all at advanced stages of completion.
He explained that the Conference Centre has been designed around three principal components: the Presidential Segment, the Ministerial Segment, and the Public Segment, making it one of the most comprehensive and modern conference facilities in the sub-region.
Dr. Taylor also highlighted plans for a recreational plaza linked to the proposed five-star hotel, creating a fully integrated conference and hospitality destination capable of supporting major international events.
Speaking after the inspection, President Bio expressed satisfaction with the progress of work and commended the Turkish construction firm, FB Group, for its dedication and commitment to meeting project timelines ahead of the ECOWAS Summit.
The President noted that the development represents more than a conference venue, describing it as a strategic national investment that will strengthen Sierra Leoneโs profile as a destination for diplomacy, business, tourism, and international engagement.
โThis project is part of our broader vision to transform Sierra Leone through strategic infrastructure investments. It will not only serve the immediate needs of hosting the ECOWAS Summit but will also create lasting opportunities for tourism, trade, investment, and economic growth,โ President Bio stated.
He reaffirmed his Governmentโs commitment to delivering transformative infrastructure projects that improve national competitiveness and support sustainable development.
President Bio also called on residents of Lungi and the wider Port Loko District to take ownership of the facilities and help safeguard them for future generations.
โThese facilities belong to the people of Sierra Leone. I encourage all citizens, especially those in this community, to protect and preserve them. Their benefits will extend far beyond this summit and will contribute significantly to the development of this region and the country as a whole,โ he said.
The Conference Centre is expected to serve as a lasting legacy project, enhancing Sierra Leoneโs capacity to host international events and reinforcing the countryโs growing role in regional and continental affairs.
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