Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially taken possession of the commission’s new Headquarters building in Abuja, a state-of-the-art edifice fully funded by the People’s Republic of China.
The symbolic key to the monumental edifice affectionately described as ‘’The Eye of West Africa’’ was officially presented to him on Tuesday, April 28, by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai.
The handover ceremony was attended by senior regional leaders, diplomats, and government officials across West Africa and China.
In his speech, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, noted that the handover ceremony remains a historic moment in the annals of the bloc, declaring that this regional monument will not only serve as the institutional home of ECOWAS for generations to come but also a symbol of an enduring partnership.
‘’To appreciate the scale of the complex being handed over, permit me to highlight some of its key features.
This is a modern office complex comprising a central wing on the ground floor plus nine upper floors, flanked by the east and west wings, each comprising a ground floor plus seven upper floors. The complex also includes office accommodation designed to house all ECOWAS Commission personnel, including designated project staff.
The offices are fully equipped with meeting rooms on each floor, with a seating capacity of at least 20 persons.
The complex has support facilities, including facilities for archives. Ground floor amenities include: clinic, gym, banking facilities, shops, restaurants, observatory, several rooms, a day care center for nursing mothers, and exhibition spaces. A two-storey conference center with a seating capacity of 800 persons is also included. The conference center is fully equipped with interpretation systems, audio-visual facilities, press briefing rooms, meeting rooms, and training facilities. It also has a dedicated support building, security quarters, and rooms for storage. And finally, it has a parking facility for about 700 vehicles,’’ he said and 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.’’
In his remarks, H.E. Yu Dunhai, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, stated that China has, over several decades, consistently prioritized its relationship with Africa, remaining steadfast and reliable in the continent’s pursuit of economic growth, development, and modernization since the past 70 years of diplomatic ties.
China supports African nations in exploring modernization paths tailored to their unique national conditions and advocates for a stronger African voice in international affairs. Our cooperation is built on the principles of non-interference, no political strings attached, and a rejection of ‘’empty promises.
Ambassador Yu also noted that during the September 2024 FOCAC in Beijing, President Xi Jinping proposed the Ten Partnership Actions for China and Africa to jointly advance modernization, and in addition, announced last February that, effective May 1, China will provide zero-tariff treatment for 100% of tariff lines to all African countries having diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.
These initiatives are a testament to the continuity and evolution of China’s Africa policy over 70 years. They underscore our firm resolve to march hand-in-hand with our African brothers and sisters, opening new horizons for Africa’s prosperity and our shared dream of modernization,’’ he stated and continued.
As Africa’s preeminent regional organization, ECOWAS is a vital engine for West African integration, regional peace, and coordinated development. China will continue to support the ECOWAS Commission and uphold the principle of ‘’African solutions to African problems’’, as we look forward to deepening strategic communication with ECOWAS nations. The successful delivery of this project is also a fruit of the strong partnership with the Nigerian Government,’’ he declared.
It is significant to state that Tuesday’s handover does more than open doors to new offices. It signals Beijing’s desire, determination, and commitment to remain a viable and visible partner in West Africa’s institutional development while giving ECOWAS a physical symbol of its mandate.
