Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their long-standing partnership with the official handover of a new headquarters for the Economic Community of West African States in Abuja.
The landmark project is designed to boost regional integration and enhance institutional capacity across West Africa.
The China-funded complex—popularly dubbed the “Eye of West Africa”—was formally presented during a high-level ceremony attended by government officials, diplomats, and regional stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, China’s Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Yu Dunhai, described the project as a flagship symbol of China-Africa cooperation and shared development ambitions.
He noted that the headquarters represents a milestone in bilateral relations and reflects the deepening bond between China and the African continent.
Ambassador Yu explained that the facility, built over more than 1,200 days, blends advanced Chinese engineering with elements of West African culture.
He added that it is expected to significantly improve ECOWAS’ operational efficiency.
Reiterating China’s approach to its African partnerships, he emphasized principles of mutual respect, non-interference, and practical outcomes, alongside support for Africa’s modernization and stronger global representation.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described the project as a powerful symbol of unity and collective progress in the region.
She stressed that the handover goes beyond infrastructure, representing a renewed commitment to regional integration, peace, and sustainable development.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also praised the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu for maintaining Nigeria’s central role in regional cooperation, while commending the Chinese government for what she called a remarkable gesture of goodwill.
Strategic hub
According to her, the new headquarters will serve as a strategic hub for policy coordination, dialogue, and joint action among ECOWAS member states.
The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, described the handover as both historic and timely, coinciding with the bloc’s 50th anniversary.
He praised the swift completion of the project and noted that it would address long-standing accommodation challenges while improving operational efficiency.
Touray revealed that the complex features multi-storey office buildings, an 800-seat conference centre, modern meeting rooms equipped with interpretation systems, and other essential support facilities.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, commended China for delivering the project on schedule and reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s support.
He described the headquarters as a legacy development that will strengthen Abuja’s standing as a diplomatic hub and foster regional cooperation.
A representative of Julius Maada Bio, who chairs the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, expressed appreciation for China’s continued support to West Africa.
The representative characterized the new facility as a lasting legacy that will enhance ECOWAS’ ability to fulfill its mandate.
Stakeholders at the event highlighted the project as evidence of deepening China-Africa relations and a shared commitment to peace, economic growth, and regional stability.
They also called for greater unity among ECOWAS member states in tackling common challenges such as security concerns and economic pressures.
The official commissioning of the headquarters will take place later this year, led by regional leaders.
