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Unity Party Leader Femi Claudius-Cole has criticised government spending on high-rise buildings for hosting summits, urging authorities to redirect those funds toward direct investment in citizens.
The comments following the recent construction of a $124 million international conference centre in Lungi. The complex includes a presidential-level meeting hall capable of hosting 20 heads of state and their delegations, a 1,400-seat multipurpose auditorium for conferences and cultural events, a 500-seat banquet hall, and several breakout rooms intended for large professional gatherings.
“The money they are using to build high-rise buildings to host such summits should be invested in the people instead; they are using the people’s money to benefit themselves.”
Cole made this statement while speaking on AYV TV Wake Up Sierra Leone program, stating that their priority should be the people rather than infrastructure meant for international events.
Her remarks come amid ongoing public debate over government expenditure and service delivery. It is reported that the government is spending about $83,000 to host the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Mid-Year Summit for the first time, bringing together regional leaders, ministers, and senior officials to the newly upgraded Lungi International Conference Centre and selected venues across Freetown from 12 to 19 July 2026.
Cole’s comments reflect growing calls from opposition figures for more accountability and a shift toward social spending in health, education, and livelihood support.
