Trade relations between Nigeria and Sierra Leone have received a boost with the formation of the Nigeria Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce (NSLCC).

The bilateral chamber, according to Sierra Leone High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Henry Olufumi Macauley, has been formed “as part of its continued efforts to deepen trade and economic ties between the private sectors of Sierra Leone and Nigeria.” The chamber, according to the High Commissioner, “will be formally launched on at a side event to the ECOWAS Presidents’ Summit on Wednesday July 17, 2013, at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja by His Excellency Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, special Guest of Honour is His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.”

Ambassador Macauley in a statement made available to News Express explained that NSLCC was formed in collaboration with Nigerian individuals and corporate organisations and “is committed to promoting improved trade and investment between Nigerian and Sierra Leone private sector operators as well as enhance the business operations of its members for the benefit of the economy of both countries.”

He said he decided to championed the formation of NSLCC “in fulfilment of the promise to stimulate greater cross border investment made last year at a of private breakfast between His Excellency Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, and top Nigerian business leaders which included Alhaji Aliko Dangote, CEO, Dangote Group; Dr. Bamanga Tukur as President African Business Round Table; MutiuSunmonu, Country Chair,ShellCompanies in Nigeria and Managing Director SPDC; (Mrs) Remi Adiukwu-Bakare, CEO, UNISPACE Ltd; Otunba Benson Akingboye, Exec Chairman, CLOG Oil System Ltd; Engr. (Dr.) Solomon Nyagba, President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce; and Adetilewa Adebajo, Snr. Technical Adviser to Hon. Minister Investment, amongst others.”

The inaugural board of Trustees/Directors of NSLCC is headed by Hon. Prince Chibudom Nwuche, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and leading entrepreneur in the oil, gas and shipping industry as Charter President. It also includes Sir (Chief) Emmanuel Adeniji (1st Vice President), Mr. Sikiru K. Rufai (2nd Vice President), Mr. Tola Ayo-Adeyemi (Director General), Mr. Rotimi OluwoleDosunmu (Treasurer), Mr. Abayomi Salami and Mrs. Emerica Kargbo as Executive Board Members. Ambassador Macauley serves as NSLCC Grand Patron.

While Nigeria is West Africa’s economic and political powerhouse, Sierra Leone is the fastest growing regional economy in the last 12 months and currently leads Ghana with the highest economic growth rate.Out ofthe 15 ECOWAS countries, Sierra Leone recorded the highest economic growth rate of 18.3% compared to the expected rate of 8% for Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Liberia and Niger, while Mali recorded a recession. This is contained in theannual reportof thePresident of the ECOWAS Commission, Kadré Désiré Ouédraogo to regional leaders at the 42nd ECOWAS Summit in Ivory Coaston March 1, 2013.

•Photo shows NSLCC Charter President, Hon. Chibudom Nwuche.