Nigerian Envoy Requests Permit Fee Review
In an effort to ease financial burdens on foreign nationals, Nigeria's High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Ayo Luther-Ogbomode, has appealed to the Government of Sierra Leone to review residence and work permit fees for Nigerian citizens.
Speaking during a meeting in Freetown on Friday, November 13, 2026, with the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Hon. Umaru Napoleon Koroma, the High Commissioner highlighted the significant costs associated with obtaining and renewing these permits.
While acknowledging the longstanding cordial relations and hospitality extended by Sierra Leone, she noted that current permit expenses pose a considerable strain on Nigerian business owners, employees, and students—many of whom have contributed to the local economy for years—and called for adjustments aligned with ECOWAS bilateral commitments.
In response, Minister Koroma reaffirmed the strong relationship between both nations and praised the economic contributions of Nigerian nationals in Sierra Leone.
Clarifying that recent compliance drives aim strictly to uphold labor laws and regulatory standards rather than target specific nationalities, Koroma assured that reciprocity would guide discussions on residence permits.
He confirmed that the Ministry will engage immigration authorities to evaluate the concerns raised regarding permit pricing and ECOWAS provisions.
Comments