Liberia is courting Nigerian investors as it looks to accelerate its economic recovery and reposition itself as a regional investment destination, its ambassador to Nigeria has said.
The country’s envoy, John Ballout, made the remarks recently in Lagos during his keynote address at the 3rd annual reunion of the Association of University of Liberia Alumni in Nigeria and abroad.
Ballout framed the appeal as part of a broader effort to transition Liberia from post-conflict stabilisation to sustained economic growth, underpinned by institutional reforms and a more investor-friendly environment.
“Liberia today is a nation renewed. Our democracy continues to grow stronger, our institutions more resilient, and our economy more open to opportunity,” he said.
The ambassador’s pitch underscores a deliberate attempt by Monrovia to deepen economic ties with Africa’s largest economy, leveraging longstanding political and military cooperation between the two countries.
Nigeria played a central role in Liberia’s civil war through the ECOWAS Monitoring Group, leading peacekeeping operations and contributing troops and funding to stabilise the country.
Ballout said that legacy should now translate into stronger commercial engagement.
“Nigeria did not merely respond. Nigeria led,” he said, referring to the country’s role during the conflict and its continued support in rebuilding Liberia’s armed forces and democratic institutions.
In a notable policy signal, Ballout said Liberia was prepared to give Nigerian investors preferential access to opportunities, including what he described as a “first right of refusal” on selected projects before they are offered to other countries.
“My coming to Nigeria is clouded with a huge sense of indebtedness,” he said. “We ought to present to Nigeria opportunities to invest in Liberia, giving them the first right of refusal before approaching other countries.”
While the envoy did not outline specific deals, he said the Liberian government was keen to attract investment into sectors critical to economic expansion and job creation. The embassy in Abuja, he added, would play an active role in facilitating market entry and partnerships.
Analysts say Liberia’s pitch comes at a time when West African economies are competing more aggressively for regional capital, particularly as global financing conditions tighten and governments seek alternative sources of investment.
Ballout also pointed to ongoing cooperation in capacity building, with Liberian military personnel and civil servants continuing to train in Nigerian institutions under scholarship programmes, a reflection of what he described as a relationship extending beyond diplomacy into development.
Beyond state-level engagement, he highlighted the role of diaspora and alumni networks in strengthening commercial links. The remarks were delivered at the annual reunion of the Association of University of Liberia Alumni in Nigeria and Abroad, which he described as a platform for fostering future business ties.
President of the association, Kola Abdul, said it planned to organise an investment summit later this year to connect Nigerian investors with Liberian officials and explore viable opportunities.
He added that the group was also working on a legacy infrastructure project for the University of Liberia, with half of the funding already secured.
Ballout said Liberia’s next phase of growth would depend on translating historical goodwill into tangible economic partnerships, positioning the country as a gateway for Nigerian businesses seeking regional expansion.
“The story of Liberia and Nigeria is not only of the past,” he said. “It is a story of the future we must build together.”
