The Nigerian ambassador to Liberia, Godfrey Odudigbo, says no fewer than 200,000 Nigerians live in Liberia.

Mr Odudigbo disclosed this on Monday at the sidelines of the inauguration of the year-long commemoration of Liberia’s bicentennial anniversary in Monrovia.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the event.

The ambassador said that Nigeria had longstanding relations and cultural affinity with Liberia.

“Nigeria and Liberia have very smooth and peaceful relations; it was exhibited more during the Liberian crisis because Nigeria spent a lot of resources to end the war here and after that, we have supported the government of this country in all manner to maintain the current diplomatic dispensation they are enjoying,’ explained the envoy. “We have a lot of Nigerian businessmen here; over 200,000 Nigerians living in Liberia engaged in one field or the other.’

According to him, the Nigerian community in Liberia is strong. He said there was a combined community and descendants union.

“The descendants are Liberians with parental origin from Nigeria who have settled here and they are Liberians now. So, we combine them to form the Nigeria Community and Descendants Union. As a mission, we are encouraging them to be very productive even in the community where they live and seen as agents of light and development not the ones that will cause crisis,” added the ambassador.

Mr Odudigbo also stated that there would be a synergy with Nigeria to make sure that the forthcoming election in Liberia turns out well.

The event, held at the Samuel Doe Stadium, marked the arrival of the first Free Black Americans in Providence Island in 1822 (200 years ago).

The arrival of the Free Black American led to the establishment of the city of Monrovia and the Republic of Liberia in 1847.

(NAN)