•President of Sierra Leone
President of Sierra Leone and Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Julius Maada Bio, has described the inauguration of the new ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja as a symbol of West Africa’s renewed commitment to regional integration, democracy, peace and shared prosperity.
Commissioning the edifice yesterday, Bio said the new headquarters represents the bloc’s shared vision and collective ambition, urging ECOWAS leaders and staff to deliver tangible benefits that improve the lives of more than 450 million West Africans, reports Daily Independent.
He praised Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigeria for their longstanding support to ECOWAS since its establishment in 1975, while also commending the Government of China for constructing the building.
Bio highlighted ECOWAS’ achievements in free movement, peacekeeping, conflict mediation and constitutional governance but acknowledged ongoing challenges, including insecurity, climate change, economic uncertainty and unconstitutional changes of government.
He reaffirmed the regional bloc’s commitment to democracy and constitutional order, stressing that West Africans deserve accountable governments chosen through democratic processes.
The ECOWAS Chairman also called for greater investment in youth, women, education, technology and innovation under the ECOWAS Vision 2050 agenda, urging Commission staff to uphold integrity, professionalism and accountability.
He concluded that the success of the new headquarters would be measured not by its structure but by the impact of the decisions made within it on the lives of West Africans.
In his speech, President Bola Tinubu called on member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to deepen regional integration, accelerate industrialisation and strengthen solidarity to address emerging security and economic challenges in the sub-region.
The president, represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, described the new headquarters as “a symbol of renewal, resilience and confidence in the future of our community,” saying the occasion marked not only the inauguration of a landmark building but also the renewal of the region’s commitment to integration, solidarity and shared prosperity.
“We build because we are chosen to preserve this place as the pillar of our stability. Nations do not endure by accident, and neither do the communities they build,” he said.
He congratulated the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and President, as well as the leadership, of the ECOWAS Commission for completing the project.
The president also expressed appreciation to the Government of the for financing the complex, and commended the contractors and other stakeholders whose efforts made the project a reality.
Reflecting on ECOWAS’ achievements over the past five decades, Tinubu noted that the regional bloc has recorded significant progress in promoting peace, democratic governance, economic cooperation and the free movement of people, goods and services.
He, however, acknowledged that West Africa continues to face terrorism, violent extremism, food insecurity, climate change, economic vulnerability and growing demands from its youthful population.
“The next phase of our integration must carry our youths’ aspirations into action. The hour has come to transform our regional market into a regional production base. We must deepen industrialisation, expand regional value chains and promote innovation, manufacturing and investment,” he said.
Tinubu stressed that regional integration should be driven by production rather than consumption, warning that economies dependent on imported goods would remain vulnerable.
He reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to Vision 2050 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, describing regional integration as essential not only for economic growth but also for political stability, sustainable development and the welfare of citizens.
The president also called for renewed dialogue and solidarity following the withdrawal of some member states from ECOWAS, saying the regional bloc must remain open to engagement.
Highlighting the long-standing partnership between ECOWAS and China, Tinubu said the new headquarters reflects the enduring friendship between both parties and expressed confidence that the facility would serve as a centre for dialogue, innovation and collective action.
“May every decision taken within these walls advance the peace, unity, prosperity and dignity of the peoples of West Africa,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, described the newly commissioned ECOWAS Headquarters in Abuja as a symbol of regional unity, stronger institutions and renewed commitment to integration.
Touray thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Government of China for financing the project, noting that China has remained a strategic partner in supporting ECOWAS’ peace, security and development initiatives.
He also commended the federal government of Nigeria for its consistent leadership and support to the regional bloc, saying the new headquarters would improve coordination and operational efficiency by bringing the Commission’s activities under one roof.
Touray stressed that while the modern facility provides world-class offices and support services, its true value would be measured by the impact of the institution’s work on the lives of West Africans.
He urged member states and ECOWAS staff to use the headquarters as a centre for innovation, collaboration and effective service delivery, adding that it should remain a lasting symbol of unity, resilience and the strong partnership between West Africa and China.
