The Leader of the main opposition, All People’s Congress (APC) in Parliament, Abdul Kargbo, has said his party will scrutinise the cost and value for money of the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi, constructed at a reported cost of over US$124 million. The conference centre will host this year’s ECOWAS Summit.

Kargbo said the opposition supports national development projects but has a responsibility to ensure that public resources are used effectively and transparently.

He questioned whether the amount spent on the facility represents value for money, noting that similar projects in the region, including the ECOWAS Headquarters in Nigeria, which he said cost about US$56 million, were completed at a lower cost.

The opposition leader said Parliament will seek clarification on the investment to better understand its cost, benefits, and overall value.

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He added that the conference centre, along with the ECOWAS Logistics Depot, could contribute to economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen Sierra Leone’s role in regional decision-making.

Kargbo maintained that his party is not against development but believes major public projects must be guided by accountability and value-for-money principles.

Th Julius Maada Bio Conference Centre is named after the current Sierra Leone President, and will serve as the main conference centre for the ECOWAS summit in Lungi. The summit is hosting West African Heads of State to deliberate on regional security, economy and growth.

While some supported the construction of the facility, others have criticised the hefty sum used for the construction of the facility.