China hands over ECOWAS’s new Headquarter complex in Abuja
The Chinese government yesterday handed over the Economic Community of West African States Commission’s new Headquarters Complex in Abuja. The groundbreaking ceremony was done in October 2023, for which the
The Chinese government yesterday handed over the Economic Community of West African States Commission’s new Headquarters Complex in Abuja.
The groundbreaking ceremony was done in October 2023, for which the Government of China provided a total of 368 million RNB equivalent to $56.57 million for the building.
The magnificent complex is a set of office buildings comprising a Central Wing (Block A) of Ground Floor with Nine floors, framed by the East and West Wings (Blocks B & C) each with a ground floor and 7 floors.
The well-furnished building has meeting rooms on each floor that can seat at least 20 people and are equipped with interpretation systems.
Support facilities including Archives, Kitchenettes, Coffee/Tea Areas.
The ground floor of the main building offers spaces for a Clinic, Gym, Banks, Shops, Restaurants with Modern kitchen, Observatory and Server Rooms, a Daycare for nursing mothers, and an exhibition area.
There is also a two-story Conference Centre with a seating capacity of 800, featuring state-of-the-art interpretation equipment, audiovisual speakers, rotating seats, a modern press briefing area, meeting rooms with interpretation facilities, and a training room, among other amenities.
A car parking area that can accommodate about 702 vehicles.
The facility, according to the President of ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, is designed to accommodate all personnel of the commission, along with some of its project staff.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Touray disclosed that formal inauguration and commissioning of the new Headquarters Complex will come later in the year, when the Chairperson of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, H. E. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, along with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and other Heads of State will officially commission the new edifice.
He therefore said the handover ceremony marks an important day for ECOWAS, especially coming at an opportune moment when ECOWAS Celebrates its 50th Year of Regional Integration.
He added, “As we accept the keys to the new ECOWAS Headquarters today, we are reminded of the legacy of our Founding Fathers, the Giants who established this remarkable Regional Community. “We pledge to create an even greater legacy for those who will follow us, and for future generations, as we hold regional engagements on the ECOWAS OF THE FUTURE.
“This new Headquarters will serve as a fitting instrument to drive the regional integration process, fostering enhanced peace and prosperity for all ECOWAS citizens.”
Touray also noted that the ECOWAS complex is not the first time the Chinese Government has partnered ECOWAS to deepen regional integration efforts, including strategic support to regional peace and security efforts with strategic military equipment and vehicles to support the deployment of the ECOWAS Standby Force activities.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Yu Dunhai, in his remark, said China will continue to honour its pledge to be a good friend.
The complex he said represents that promise as the edifice will aid easy administration of ECOWAS integration aspiration.
He said: “We will continue to honor our solemn pledge to be Africa’s “good friend, good partner, and good brother”. Together, we inject stability and positive energy into a changing world, contributing our collective strength to the cause of human progress.”
He added: “One building carries shared hopes and one partnership writes a legacy. China will stay true to the principles of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith in its Africa policy, and remain guided by the “Ten Partnership Actions” and the four Global Initiatives. We will preserve the “DNA” of our friendship, focus on Africa’s actual needs, deepen our practical cooperation to achieve new milestones in African modernization, and build a high level China-Africa community with a shared future.
“The successful delivery of this project is a fruit of the strong partnership with the Nigerian Government. As the host of ECOWAS and a regional leader, Nigeria’s efforts in fostering stability and unity have been exemplary. China holds the China-Nigeria relationship in the highest regard.”
He also noted that China is eager to align China’s plan with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
“We are eager to align China’s “15th Five-Year Plan” with Nigeria’s “Renewed Hope” agenda to drive high-quality growth in our bilateral ties.”
In her remarks, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the new complex represents the consolidation of a vision, a reaffirmation of unity, and a renewed commitment to the ideals of regional integration, peace, and sustainable development.
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She said: “This landmark event transcends the commissioning of a physical structure. It represents the consolidation of a vision, a reaffirmation of unity, and a renewed commitment to the ideals of regional integration, peace, and sustainable development that underpin our Community. 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.
“This new Headquarters therefore symbolizes 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.
“As we celebrate this achievement, we must also reflect on the responsibilities that come with it. The strength of Economic Community of West African States lies not merely in its institutions, but in the unity, commitment, and collective resolve of its Member States.”
The Minister also charged Member States to remain steadfast in their dedication to the principles and protocols of the Community.
She added: “At a time when our region is confronted with complex challenges, including security threats, political transitions, and economic pressures, our unity is not optional, it is imperative. We must continue to act in concert, speak with one voice, and uphold the shared values that bind us together.
“Let this new Headquarters serve as a constant reminder of what we can achieve when we work together in trust and solidarity. Let it inspire renewed commitment to regional integration, stronger collaboration, and unwavering adherence to the ideals of peace, democracy, and development.”
