Tinubu Calls for Stronger Regional Integration as ECOWAS Inaugurates New Headquarters in Abuja

Tinubu Calls for Stronger Regional Integration as ECOWAS Inaugurates New Headquarters in Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said the inauguration of the new headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Abuja marks a renewed commitment to regional integration, peace, industrialisation and shared prosperity across West Africa.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the commissioning ceremony on Thursday, the President described the new headquarters, known as the “Eye of Africa,” as a symbol of renewal, resilience and confidence in the future of the regional bloc.

He said the project reflects the collective determination of ECOWAS member states to uphold the ideals that inspired the establishment of the community more than five decades ago.

“Today marks not only the inauguration of an impressive landmark but also the renewal of our commitment to regional integration, solidarity and shared prosperity,” Tinubu said.

The President noted that ECOWAS has recorded significant achievements in peacebuilding, democratic governance, economic cooperation and the free movement of people, goods and services across the region.

He, however, stressed that West Africa continues to face major challenges, including terrorism, violent extremism, economic vulnerability, food insecurity, climate change, public health concerns and the growing expectations of its youthful population.

Tinubu called for a shift from a consumption-driven economy to a production-based regional economy, urging member states to strengthen industrialisation, manufacturing, innovation, regional value chains and intra-African trade.

“The time has come to transform our regional market into a regional production base. A community that consumes what it does not produce will always remain dependent on others,” he said.

The President also addressed the recent withdrawal of three member states from ECOWAS, noting that regional integration must now extend beyond economic cooperation to include collective security, political stability and sustainable development.

He emphasised that the bloc should continue to engage countries that have chosen to leave, stressing the importance of dialogue, solidarity and shared responsibility in addressing regional challenges.

Tinubu commended the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, for his leadership, and congratulated the ECOWAS Commission on the successful completion of the new headquarters.

He also expressed appreciation to the Government of China for financing the project, as well as the contractors, consultants and all stakeholders involved in its construction.

In his remarks, President Bio described the new headquarters as a symbol of the region’s collective resolve to build a stronger and more effective ECOWAS that serves the aspirations of more than 450 million West Africans.

He praised Nigeria for its longstanding leadership and financial support to the regional bloc, describing the country as “a great anchor” of ECOWAS, while also thanking China for its support in delivering the landmark project.

President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, said the new headquarters would serve as a centre for regional cooperation and strengthen the Commission’s capacity to deliver on its expanding mandate.

He acknowledged China’s contributions to regional development, including support for security, technology and institutional capacity building, describing the country as one of ECOWAS’ key strategic partners.

Also speaking, China’s Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Yu Dunhai, said the inauguration of the headquarters reflects China’s enduring partnership with Africa and its continued commitment to supporting regional integration and sustainable development across the continent.

Tinubu Calls for Stronger Regional Integration as ECOWAS Inaugurates New Headquarters in Abuja