Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government and President of Julius Maada Bio, has challenged West African leaders to ensure regional integration delivers tangible benefits for citizens, saying the bloc’s legacy will be judged not by its infrastructure but by the lives it transforms.
Speaking at the commissioning of the new ECOWAS Commission headquarters in Abuja, President Bio said West Africans expect practical results, including improved security, expanded trade, job creation and democratic governance.
“Our citizens are no longer waiting for promises. They are waiting for results that improve their daily lives.”
President Bio said the headquarters symbolises the region’s shared vision and enduring commitment to integration, urging ECOWAS institutions to uphold integrity, accountability and excellence while responding to emerging challenges such as terrorism, unconstitutional changes of government, climate change and economic uncertainty.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima described the new complex as a symbol of renewal, resilience and shared prosperity. He called on member states to deepen industrialisation, strengthen regional value chains and transform West Africa from a consumer market into a regional production hub.
“The hour has come to transform our regional market into a regional production base.”
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray said the completion of the headquarters coincides with the regional bloc’s 50th anniversary and reflects ECOWAS’ commitment to advancing peace, economic integration and regional development. He commended Nigeria for its continued support and praised China for financing the landmark project.
“This new headquarters will serve as a fitting instrument to drive the regional integration process, fostering enhanced peace and prosperity for all ECOWAS citizens.”
China’s Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Yu Dunhai described the building as a flagship project under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and a symbol of China’s enduring partnership with West Africa. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting ECOWAS through investments in infrastructure, agriculture, digital economy, food security and people-to-people exchanges.
“China remains a trustworthy friend and reliable partner to ECOWAS and all West African nations.”
Funded by the Government of China at a cost of approximately 56.6 million US dollars, the new ECOWAS headquarters features modern office facilities, an 800-seat conference centre, interpretation-equipped meeting rooms, healthcare and childcare facilities, commercial spaces and parking for more than 700 vehicles. The complex is expected to strengthen the regional body’s capacity to promote peace, security and economic integration across West Africa.
