The Sierra Leone envoy to
Nigeria has called for closer cooperation between the countries’ private sectors to boost economic development in both countries.
The Acting Minister and Counselor at the Sierra Leone High Commission, Mr Joe Nyuma, said this during an interview with newsmen.
He  said that improved partnership between entrepreneurs from the two countries would open up investment opportunities with its multiplier effects on their economies.
He said Sierra Lone needed assistance from friendly countries such Nigeria to overcome its Ebola-induced social and economic losses.
Nyuma said the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country crashed to 2 per cent from 12.4 per cent during the period Ebola lasted in the country.
He, however, disclosed that the GDP had risen to eight per cent in the post-Ebola era.
“We believe we can get more Nigerians’ involvement in Sierra Leone private sector for the good of our two countries.
“In the future, we also want to see how we can cooperate to strengthen our military.
“Our president is a very proactive person and it has been proven beyond reasonable doubt that since he took over, the economy has been moving at an accelerated speed”, he said.
According to him, Sierra Leone had a GDP of 12.4 before the Ebola but it went down to 2 per cent because of the Ebola.
“We have been able to manage the economy, workers are getting their salaries on time and government apparatus is functioning effectively,’’ he said.
The acting minister appealed to investors, especially the organised private sector, to invest in Sierra Leone’s banking, agriculture, diamond mining and fishery sectors.
“The economy is not doing badly at all now.
“Most investors that were scared of visiting Sierra Leone because of the scourge are changing their mind; a lot of them are going there now.
“Investors that are interested in fishery, agriculture and diamond mining are now planning to return to the country.
He said Sierra Leone was a fertile ground for investment, adding that the country had the potential to become an economic power.
“The Diamonds and iron ore mines are still functional. Investors should come on board and help us to see how we can jointly develop our country,’’ Nyuma said.
On the current situation of things in the country he said things were returning to normal since the Ebola crisis was addressed.
“Students are going to school; government offices are working like before. It is now business as usual,’’ the envoy told reporters.
On the forthcoming 25th Ordinary Session of the Heads of States and Government Summit of the African Union, Nguma said the summit would discuss issues bothering on terrorism in Nigeria and the sub-region.
Nyuma suggested the setting up of an intelligence team to trace the root of terrorism with a view to finding lasting solution to it.