According to Gembeh, Nigeria and Sierra Leone have had long-standing relationship which could be further strengthened with increased trade, fostering economic development and regional integration, a core vision of ECOWAS.

He explained that Sierra Leone is rich in over 25 mineral resources including diamond, gold, and oil, among others and was waiting for Nigeria’s expertise to harness such resources which would create wealth for both countries.

He also listed agriculture and tourist activities as other viable areas of exploration to Nigerian investors.

“Our President, Julius Maada Bio believes that even though we have been in independence for about 58 years it has not taken us anywhere, and so, he wants the diplomats to be the gateway for economic development of our country.

“The concept of economy diplomacy was borne out of the idea that my primary function here is how best I can sell Sierra Leone and the natural resources that we have. We are endowed with many resources for a country of 7.5 million and we have 25 known mineral resources and all these things that you need in the West. There is no area of economic activity that anybody would like to explore that we do not have; you want to set up refineries, hotels, entertainment centers; anything, we have it there,” the High Commissioner noted.

He added that Sierra Leone has virgin lands waiting for Nigerians to be a part of this dream in making Sierra Leone become like Singapore, adding that Nigerians are very talented, and have one of the biggest economies in Africa while it has people with lots of money.