The Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Mrs. Damtien L. Tchintchibidja, paid a courtesy visit to Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairperson of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, H.E. Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, to solidify strategic plans for the regional bloc’s 50th anniversary celebration.

The high-level meeting, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Abuja, focused on galvanizing support and coordination ahead of the milestone event slated for May 28, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria.

Mrs. Tchintchibidja unveiled an overview of the planned activities and programs designed to span all ECOWAS Member States, stressing Nigeria’s pivotal role in leading the commemorations. She described the anniversary as a time to not only honor five decades of regional cooperation and integration, but also to critically assess the bloc’s trajectory and renew its commitment to meeting the aspirations of its people.

Calling for greater collaboration, the Vice President appealed to the Ministry to actively participate in the technical and planning committee steering the celebration’s logistics and execution. “This is a defining moment for ECOWAS. We need all hands on deck, including civil society and national institutions, to ensure the anniversary is inclusive, reflective, and forward-looking,” she emphasized.

Responding, Ambassador Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering support for the Commission’s efforts, pledging full government engagement in the planning and execution of the event. He underscored Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring the celebrations are not only memorable, but also inclusive—particularly engaging youth, civil society, and key stakeholders across the region.

The meeting marks a significant step in the countdown to ECOWAS at 50, as preparations intensify to celebrate the legacy and future of West Africa’s premier regional Organization.