The President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, has described the newly commissioned ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja as a landmark that will strengthen regional integration, improve institutional efficiency and promote shared prosperity across West Africa.
Speaking during the official commissioning of the ultra-modern headquarters on Thursday, Touray said the new complex represents far more than an architectural achievement, describing it as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience and the collective aspirations of ECOWAS member states.
He expressed profound appreciation to the Government of the People's Republic of China for financing the project and acknowledged the continued support of the Federal Government of Nigeria, which hosted and facilitated its successful completion.
"This headquarters stands not merely as an architectural achievement but as a powerful symbol of our collective determination to deepen regional integration, strengthen institutional efficiency and advance the shared prosperity of our people," Touray stated.
According to him, the project was conceived to address the operational difficulties created by the Commission's offices being scattered across multiple locations in Abuja.
He recalled that the foundation stone was laid in December 2022 and that construction was completed within approximately two years, describing the pace of execution as a testament to the strong partnership between ECOWAS, China and Nigeria.
Touray noted that China's support to ECOWAS extends beyond infrastructure, recalling previous donations of military equipment and vehicles that have enhanced the regional body's peacekeeping and security operations.
"This remarkable project is a shining example of what can be achieved through genuine international cooperation built on mutual respect, shared interests and common aspirations," he said.
He also praised Nigeria for its consistent leadership within the regional bloc, citing the country's provision of land, policy support and institutional backing over the years.
According to him, Nigeria's commitment has continued to reinforce ECOWAS' vision of regional unity and economic integration.
Providing details of the facility, Touray explained that the headquarters consists of a nine-storey central tower flanked by two seven-storey wings designed to accommodate Commission personnel and project staff.
He said the complex is equipped with modern conference and meeting rooms fitted with simultaneous interpretation facilities, archives, restaurants, kitchenettes, banking services, a medical clinic, gymnasium, retail outlets and a daycare centre for nursing mothers.
Despite celebrating the completion of the imposing structure, Touray stressed that the true value of the headquarters would depend on the people working within it.
"Buildings do not deliver transformation. People and institutions do," he emphasised.
He urged ECOWAS staff and member states to transform the headquarters into a centre of excellence that promotes innovation, collaboration, peace, security, economic transformation and improved living standards for the people of West Africa.
"As we formally commission this remarkable edifice today, let it stand as a lasting symbol of unity, resilience and the strong partnership between West Africa and China, and as a symbol of our shared destiny," he added.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, congratulated ECOWAS on the successful completion of the project and reaffirmed China's commitment to supporting regional integration and sustainable development across West Africa.
"I would like to extend our warmest congratulations on the official inauguration of this magnificent landmark," the ambassador said.
"We also express our heartfelt gratitude to the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for its robust support throughout this journey, and we pay tribute to the Chinese and African engineers and technical personnel whose hard work made this vision a reality."
Describing the headquarters as the "Eye of West Africa," Yu said the building stands as a flagship project under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and reflects China's enduring support for African integration.
"This modern architectural marvel marks another historical milestone in China's enduring support for African integration. Ultimately, it embodies the shared vision of West African nations in pursuing unity, strength and prosperity while vividly illustrating the profound bond between China and Africa," he said.
The ambassador described China and Africa as "brothers and partners bound by a shared future," stressing that Beijing remains committed to strengthening its strategic relationship with ECOWAS.
"China consistently builds its relationship with ECOWAS from a strategic and long-term perspective. We firmly support ECOWAS in playing a leading role in maintaining regional peace, promoting development and improving livelihoods. China remains a trustworthy, sincere friend and reliable partner to ECOWAS and all West African nations," he said.
Yu further pledged deeper cooperation in governance, infrastructure development, digital economy, agriculture and food security.
"We will deepen exchanges on governance experience, enhance the representation and voice of African countries in international affairs and work together to build a more just and equitable global governance system.
"We will also fully implement the ten partnership actions under FOCAC, with strong emphasis on infrastructure, the digital economy, grain development and food security. We aim to accelerate trade and investment, fully utilise China's zero-tariff policy for African countries, strengthen Africa's capacity for independent development and foster closer people-to-people exchanges to sustain our traditional friendship," he added.