March 12, 2026
The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, PhD, on Thursday received a two-man delegation from the Embassy of Liberia in Nigeria led by the newly appointed Ambassador of Liberia to Nigeria, His Excellency John Akel Ballout Jr., at the Chamber’s Secretariat in Abuja.
The visit was aimed at strengthening bilateral economic relations between Nigeria and Liberia while exploring new areas of investment collaboration between businesses in both countries.
Speaking during the meeting, Ambassador Ballout Jr. noted that one of Liberia’s major challenges has been growing and strengthening its economy within the region. He emphasized that Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy, has historically played a significant role in supporting Liberia and can further motivate economic development through stronger bilateral trade and investment partnerships.
The ambassador recalled Nigeria’s support during Liberia’s periods of crisis, particularly its role in peacekeeping missions, describing Nigeria as a longstanding backbone and ally of Liberia. He added that Liberia is open to Nigerian investors and is creating opportunities in key sectors such as agriculture, agro-processing, mining, and other areas of economic development.
He also highlighted Liberia’s investor-friendly policies, noting that businesses operating in the country are free to repatriate their profits without restrictions and also have the option to reinvest locally. He further disclosed plans to strengthen institutional collaboration by connecting the Liberia Chamber of Commerce with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
In his response, Chief Obegolu underscored the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Liberia, describing it as one founded on mutual respect and sovereignty. He stressed the need for African countries to take greater advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by developing and implementing the necessary policies and legislation that will enable stronger intra-African trade.
The ACCI President noted that trade among African countries remains relatively low and called for stronger commitment toward economic integration across the continent. He explained that the Chamber has adopted the mantra “BABA – Buy Africa, Build Africa,” emphasising the importance of promoting African goods and services to drive continental development.
Chief Obegolu welcomed the Ambassador’s proposal to establish a working relationship between ACCI and the Liberia Chamber of Commerce. He also requested detailed information on business and investment opportunities in Liberia to share with ACCI members through the Chamber’s Abuja Trade Centre (ATC), which promotes trade and investment within Nigeria and internationally.
Both parties agreed on the importance of sustained engagement, including possible virtual meetings and exchange visits, to further strengthen collaboration between business communities in the two countries. The meeting marks another step toward enhancing economic cooperation and private-sector partnerships between Nigeria and Liberia.
Olayemi John-Mensah
ACCI Media and Strategy Officer
