ECOWAS HQ in Abuja a “bold statement” for West African unity – Wike

By Stanley Onyekwere

​The FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike has hailed the newly completed China-Aid ECOWAS Headquarters as more than just an architectural feat, calling it a “powerful symbol” of regional solidarity and the shared future of West Africa.
​Speaking at the official handover ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister noted that the project represents the tangible results of international cooperation and the collective resolve of member states to build enduring institutions.
​Wike, represented by the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, emphasized that the edifice is a “handover of a vision” rather than just a physical structure.
The Minister described the headquarters as a testament to the enduring value of diplomacy, stating, “This magnificent edifice is not just about concrete, steel, and glass. It is a bold statement that cooperation still matters.”
​The event reaffirmed Abuja’s status as Nigeria’s diplomatic nerve center and a natural home for international institutions dedicated to African progress.
​He extended high praise to the Government of the People’s Republic of China for their “remarkable contribution” to regional integration.
The project stands as a centerpiece of the constructive engagement between China and the West African subcontinent, and the FCT Administration played a pivotal role in ensuring the project’s success.
According to the Minister, the FCTA facilitated the delivery through streamlined approvals, and security coordination,
“Great institutions deserve worthy homes. ECOWAS remains one of the most significant expressions of West Africa’s shared identity and aspirations,” Wike stated.
​Wike urged West African leaders and stakeholders to remain committed to fostering regional integration.
He noted that the presence of such a landmark in Abuja reinforces the city’s role as a center for dialogue and a catalyst for the continent’s collective growth.