By Amin Kef (Ranger)
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has inspected the ongoing construction of the Conference Centre and Presidential Villas at Lungi, reaffirming his Government’s commitment to infrastructure development and national transformation ahead of the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, scheduled for next month.
The inspection tour, conducted on 5 June 2026 at Lungi International Airport in Port Loko District, formed part of the Government’s preparations to host the high-level regional gathering and provided the President with an opportunity to assess progress on one of Sierra Leone’s most ambitious infrastructure projects.
The multi-purpose complex is expected to become a major national asset and includes Presidential Villas, a Presidential Conference Hall, a banquet hall, a dedicated media and press centre, a 1,500-seat auditorium, a five-star hotel, a recreational plaza and other modern facilities designed to position Sierra Leone as a preferred destination for regional and international conferences.
Welcoming the President, Chairman of the Office of Presidential Infrastructure Initiatives (OPII), Dr. Eldred Taylor, expressed appreciation for the visit and commended President Bio’s vision and leadership in advancing key infrastructure projects across the country.
Dr. Eldred Taylor informed the President that construction work is at an advanced stage, with significant progress achieved 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.
According to Dr. Eldred Taylor, the project will significantly strengthen Sierra Leone’s ability to host regional and international events, while boosting tourism, attracting investment and increasing passenger traffic through Lungi International Airport.
He noted that the Presidential Hall, designed to accommodate Heads of State and delegates, together with the banquet hall and the main plenary facilities, are all nearing completion.
Dr. Eldred Taylor further explained that the Conference Centre has been designed around three principal segments: 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.
He also highlighted plans for a recreational plaza connected to the proposed five-star hotel, creating an integrated conference and hospitality destination capable of supporting major international events.
Speaking after the inspection, President Bio expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work and commended the Turkish construction company, FB Group, for its dedication to meeting project deadlines ahead of the ECOWAS Summit.
The President described the development as more than a conference venue, calling it a strategic national investment that will enhance Sierra Leone’s profile as a destination for diplomacy, business, tourism and international engagement.
“This 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,” President Bio stated.
He reaffirmed his Government’s determination to deliver transformative infrastructure projects that improve national competitiveness and support sustainable development.
President Bio also called on the people of Lungi and the wider Port Loko District to take ownership of the facilities and help preserve them for future generations.
“These 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,” he said.
The Conference Centre is expected to stand as a lasting legacy project, strengthening Sierra Leone’s capacity to host major international events and reinforcing the country’s growing role in regional and continental affairs.
