Liberia Appoints SAN Dapo Akinosun as Honorary Consul in Lagos

Liberia has appointed Senior Advocate of Nigeria Dapo Akinosun as Honorary Consul in Lagos, a move both countries say will strengthen trade, consular support and broader bilateral cooperation.

The appointment was conveyed in a letter signed by Liberia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Sara Nyanti, who said Akinosun’s selection reflects his record of engagement on Nigeria-Liberia relations.

According to the ministry, the new Honorary Consul is mandated to represent Liberia’s interests in the consular jurisdiction, protect the welfare of Liberian citizens in Lagos and support stronger institutional ties between both countries.

Officials said his portfolio also includes facilitating trade, investment, tourism, cultural exchange and collaboration in education and science.

Reacting to the appointment, Akinosun said he would prioritise efficient consular services for Liberians living in Nigeria and support investment linkages that benefit both economies.

“I am deeply honoured to represent Liberia in Nigeria, a country that shares not just a border, but a deep history and kinship with our people,” he said.

“My focus will be on facilitating a robust business environment for Nigerian investors looking toward Liberia, ensuring the welfare of Liberia citizens here in Lagos, and strengthening the people-to-people ties that have always bound us together.”

A statement by Oduntan Ogundimu, Head of Media at the Liberian Consulate, said the appointment aligns with Liberia’s policy of deepening long-term cooperation with Nigeria through practical diplomatic engagement.

Ogundimu said Akinosun brings over three decades of legal and managerial experience to the role, including work across foreign investment and divestment, banking and finance, energy transactions, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution.

He added that the appointee has also handled issues linked to capital market trading, privatisation initiatives in the oil sector and joint-venture structuring.

Akinosun is a founding partner at SimmonsCooper Partners and a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators. He is also a member of the International Bar Association and the Nigerian Bar Association.

Diplomatic observers say the appointment could improve access for businesses seeking cross-border opportunities between the two West African countries, while also expanding support channels for citizens and institutions operating across both jurisdictions.