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From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
As the Chinese government handed over the new Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) headquarters to the regional bloc, the federal government has said China has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting Africa’s development priorities.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, stated this during the official handover ceremony of the China-Aid ECOWAS headquarters building in Abuja.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the landmark event transcended the commissioning of a physical structure and represented the consolidation of a vision, a reaffirmation of unity, and a renewed commitment to the ideals of regional integration, peace, and sustainable development that underpinned the ECOWAS region.
She further said that since its establishment in 1975, the Economic Community of West African States has remained a beacon of cooperation and solidarity, not only within West Africa but across the African continent and the global community.
“Today, Economic Community of West African States stands as one of Africa’s most dynamic regional blocs, playing a pivotal role in conflict prevention, peacekeeping, economic integration, democratic governance, and humanitarian response. Its interventions in promoting stability and constitutional order have earned it global recognition and positioned it as a critical pillar within the framework of the African Union and an important partner in international diplomacy.
“This new headquarters, therefore, symbolises more than administrative convenience. It is a strategic asset that will enhance institutional effectiveness, deepen collaboration among Member States, and reinforce the capacity of the Commission to respond to emerging regional and global challenges. It will serve as a centre of excellence for policy innovation, dialogue, and coordinated action in advancing the collective aspirations of our people.
“On this auspicious occasion, I wish to pay special tribute to His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, whose unwavering commitment to regional integration and leadership within Economic Community of West African States continues to strengthen the Community. His vision for a peaceful, stable, and economically resilient West Africa remains a guiding force in our collective efforts.
“I also extend sincere appreciation to His Excellency, Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, for his country’s enduring partnership with Africa and for this remarkable gesture of goodwill. The construction and delivery of this iconic edifice stands as a powerful symbol of the deepening ties between Africa and China, anchored on mutual respect, shared prosperity, and South-South cooperation.
“The Government of the People’s Republic of China has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting Africa’s development priorities, and we commend this act of solidarity which will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
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The minister also said that as ECOWAS celebrates the achievement, it must also reflect on the responsibilities that come with it.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu added that the strength of the Economic Community of West African States lay not merely in its institutions but in the unity, commitment, and collective resolve of its member states.
In his remarks, the president of the ECOWAS Commission, Alieu Omar Touray, said it was not the first time the Chinese government has partnered with ECOWAS to deepen regional integration efforts.
The ECOWAS Commission President also said the secretariat complex and many more supports spread around member states made China a very strategic partner to West Africa.
“In the not-too-distant past, the Government of the People’s Republic of China provided some very important strategic support to our regional peace and security efforts with strategic military equipment and vehicles to support the deployment of the ECOWAS Standby Force activities. This and many more supports spread around our member states make China a very strategic partner to West Africa,” Touray said.
Speaking earlier, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, said the ECOWAS headquarters building stood as a milestone and is China’s flagship aid project for ECOWAS and another headquarters for an international organisation, following the African Union Conference Centre and Office Complex.
Yu also said that affectionately known as the “Eye of West Africa”, the magnificent structure broke ground in December 2022.
He disclosed that after more than 1,200 days and nights of meticulous craftsmanship, it had been transformed from a visionary blueprint into a concrete reality.
“The building harmonises the excellence of Chinese architectural technique with the unique culture of West Africa, establishing a new landmark for the city of Abuja. As a modern, intelligent, and multi-functional complex, it will substantially enhance the operational capacity of the ECOWAS Commission and provide a robust foundation for member states to chart the future of regional development.
“We are confident that this edifice—a vessel for the aspirations of the West African people and a symbol of the profound bond between China and Africa—will bear witness to the steady march of West African nations toward strength through unity and the flourishing cooperation between our peoples across this vast land,” the Chinese envoy said.
