President Bola Tinubu has described the inauguration of the new Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) headquarters in Abuja as a major step toward strengthening regional integration, peace, industrial growth, and shared prosperity across West Africa.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the commissioning ceremony in Abuja, the President said the newly completed headquarters, known as the “Eye of Africa,” symbolizes resilience, renewal, and confidence in the future of the regional bloc.
Tinubu noted that the occasion goes beyond unveiling a modern building, saying it represents a renewed commitment to the founding principles of ECOWAS, including unity, cooperation, and economic development.
He praised the achievements of ECOWAS over the years, highlighting its contributions to peacekeeping, democratic governance, economic collaboration, and the free movement of people, goods, and services throughout the region.
Despite these successes, the President acknowledged that West Africa continues to face major challenges such as terrorism, violent extremism, economic instability, food insecurity, climate change, public health concerns, and the growing needs of its youthful population.
According to him, the region must now move beyond discussions and focus on practical economic transformation by developing a strong regional production base instead of relying heavily on imported goods.
Tinubu stressed that deeper industrialization, stronger regional value chains, increased intra-African trade, innovation, manufacturing, and investment should shape the next phase of ECOWAS’ development.
He also addressed the withdrawal of three member states from the regional bloc, emphasizing that regional integration should now be viewed as more than an economic objective. He said it has become essential for ensuring collective security, political stability, sustainable development, and the overall welfare of West Africans.
The President maintained that the ECOWAS community should remain open to dialogue with countries that have chosen to leave, encouraging renewed cooperation and solidarity across the region.
Tinubu commended Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, for his leadership, while also congratulating the ECOWAS Commission for successfully delivering the headquarters project.
He further expressed appreciation to the Government of China for financing the construction of the new complex, alongside the contractors, consultants, Nigerian partners, and other stakeholders who contributed to its completion.
President Julius Maada Bio described the new headquarters as an opportunity for member states to reaffirm their commitment to improving the lives of more than 450 million people across West Africa. He also praised Nigeria for its consistent financial and leadership support to ECOWAS over the years.
Also speaking, ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Touray thanked China for donating the landmark facility, describing it as a lasting symbol of regional cooperation that will strengthen the commission’s growing responsibilities.
China’s Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Yu Dunhai, said the project reflects China’s continued support for African integration and expressed confidence that future cooperation between China, ECOWAS, and Africa would be driven by mutual trust and practical partnerships.
