ECOWAS ministers convene in Abuja to review progress on new headquarters

In a significant step towards bolstering regional integration and socio-economic development, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Ad-Hoc Ministerial Committee on the Construction of Community Institutions Headquarters convened on the sidelines of the Council of Ministers meeting in Abuja. The purpose of this gathering was to scrutinize the report from the Meeting of Experts and to evaluate the progress of the ongoing construction of the new ECOWAS headquarters, aptly named “The Eye of West Africa.”

Situated along Airport Road in Abuja, the new headquarters is a testament to international cooperation, made possible through a generous grant from the People’s Republic of China, facilitated by the China International Development Cooperation Agency (China Aid). The project symbolizes the growing partnership between China and the ECOWAS community.

Welcoming the attendees, Damtien L. Tchintchibidja, Vice Chairman of the ECOWAS Commission, extended heartfelt gratitude to the Federal Republic of Nigeria for their instrumental support. This included the allocation of land, exemptions from customs duties, expedited building permits, and other crucial assistance that has enabled the commencement and ongoing progress of the construction.

Vice Chairman Tchintchibidja also conveyed appreciation to His Excellency XI Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, and the Chinese Government for their unwavering support. “This gesture represents a milestone in the ongoing cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and ECOWAS,” Tchintchibidja remarked, highlighting the significance of this international collaboration.

In his opening address, His Excellency Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairman of the Council of Ministers of ECOWAS, lauded his fellow Ministers for their steadfast dedication to regional integration. “The new headquarters of ECOWAS is ready to become a beacon of hope, embracing our common values and heritage. The structure symbolizes a promising future for our people – a foundation from which we will continue to make important strides in regional integration, economic growth, and security,” Tuggar stated.

Following the meeting, the Ministers participated in a site visit to witness firsthand the progress of the construction. Currently, the project is 33% physically completed and 45% financially completed. Initiated in November 2022, the construction is on track for completion and delivery by February 2025.

The event concluded with a brief closing ceremony, which included notable dignitaries such as Mr. Wei Pengfei, General Manager of Shaanxi Construction Engineering Group Company (SCEGC) International Corporation, and Mr. Zhang Yi, Commissioner of Affairs of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort and shared commitment to the successful realization of the new ECOWAS headquarters.