By Ochiaka Ugwu
In a move that is more than generosity, the People’s Republic of China has handed over a gigantic 368 million RNB equivalent to USD56.57 million secretariat building of Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) as a gift to the governments and peoples of the region.
The Chinese funded and built complex which opened Tuesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital serves as the headquarters of ECOWAS, a West African regional body, of independent states of the region.
The symbolic key of the building kindly known as the “Eye of West Africa” was handed over to the President of Ecowas Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray by the Ambassador of People’s Republic of China to Nigeria, Amb. Yu Dunhai signaling the official handover to ECOWAS authority.
Amb. Yu in his remarks said the building stands as a milestone and China’s flagship aid project for ECOWAS which harmonizes the excellence of Chinese architectural technique with the unique culture of West Africa.
Yu said that as a modern, intelligent, and multi-functional complex, the building would substantially enhance the operational capacity of the ECOWAS Commission and provide a robust foundation for member states to chart the future of regional development.
He expressed confidence that the building would serve as a vehicle for the aspirations of the West African people and a symbol of the profound bond between China and Africa that would bear witness to the steady march of West African nations toward strength through unity, and the flourishing cooperation between the peoples.
He emphasized that China had steadily prioritized its relationship with Africa, remaining a steadfast and reliable partner in Africa’s pursuit of development and national rejuvenation.
Also speaking, President of Ecowas Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray while thanking Chinese President, Xi Jinping for generously providing the complex to serve as the seat of ECOWAS, said that Chinese Government had partnered ECOWAS to deepen regional integration efforts before this big gesture.
Touray informed that China provided important strategic support to regional peace and security efforts with strategic military equipment and vehicles to support the deployment of the ECOWAS Standby Force activities.
He noted that China’s support spread around ECOWAS Member States, making China a very strategic partner to West Africa.
Thanking the Chinese Contractor, Shaanxi Construction Engineering Group Corporation (SCEGC), for their professionalism and high-quality work and Chinese Supervising Consultants, SIPPR, for ensuring that the work adheres to the approved design and specifications, Touray revealed that as they hold regional engagements on the ECOWAS of the future, the new building would serve as a fitting instrument to drive regional integration process, fostering enhanced peace and prosperity for all ECOWAS citizens.
Nigerian Foreign Minister of State, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu while appreciating China on behalf of Nigerian Government for enduring partnership with Africa and remarkable gesture of goodwill, said construction and delivery of the ECOWAS building stands as a powerful symbol of the deepening ties between Africa and China, anchored on mutual respect, shared prosperity, and South South cooperation.
Continuing, she said China had once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting Africa’s development priorities, which she commended as act of solidarity saying it would leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike who described the ECOWAS Headquarters as a powerful symbol of regional solidarity, international cooperation, and a shared vision for West Africa’s future, emphasized the building represents “the handover of a vision—of partnership, unity, and the collective resolve of West Africa to build enduring institutions that would shape its future.”
Wike, who was represented by the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud commended China for what he described as a “remarkable contribution” to regional integration, adding that the project stands as a testament to the enduring value of diplomacy and constructive international engagement.
However, the new ECOWAS headquarters is an 11-story tower dominating the cityscape of Nigeria busy capital, Abuja. It is expected to significantly enhance ECOWAS’s administrative and coordination capabilities, providing a stronger institutional platform for advancing regional integration in West Africa.
More importantly, the building stands as a symbol of deepening cooperation between China and Africa. As the new home of ECOWAS, the “Eye of West Africa” represents not only a modern architectural landmark, but also a shared future for regional integrity and prosperity.
Experts in China, Africa affairs have said that the new ECOWAS secretariat did not only represent an important milestone in China, Africa friendship, but a powerful landmark in flourishing China, Africa partnership.
This kind gesture no doubt shows China’s unwavering commitment to enhancing solidarity and cooperation with West African nations, supporting their efforts in regional integration and economic development.
