China and the Economic Community of West African States on Tuesday marked a major milestone in their relations with the official handover of a newly completed $56.5 million headquarters complex in Abuja.
The facility, funded by the Government of the People’s Republic of China, was delivered at a ceremony attended by senior regional and Nigerian officials, who described the project as a symbol of deepening cooperation and shared development goals.
China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, described the development as a turning point in relations between China and ECOWAS, which span about three decades.
“I think this is going to be the historical moment in the history of the friendly cooperation between China and ECOWAS. This is a great milestone,” he said.
According to him, the relationship has been built on “mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, and win-win cooperation.”
He added that both sides have strengthened political trust, expanded practical cooperation, enhanced peace and security collaboration, and promoted people-to-people exchanges over the years.
‘Eye of West Africa’ facility
Mr Dunhai described the complex nicknamed the “Eye of West Africa” as a modern, intelligent, and multifunctional facility designed to boost the operational capacity of the ECOWAS Commission and support regional integration.
He also dismissed claims that China’s engagement in Africa comes with hidden conditions.
“We always respect the sovereignty and autonomy of African countries. We follow the principle of non-interference and no political conditions attached,” he stated.
The envoy highlighted Nigeria’s importance in China-Africa relations, noting that ties have deepened following high-level engagements, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2024 state visit to China.
“We hold the China-Nigeria relationship in the highest regard because Nigeria is the most populous country on this continent,” he said.
He cited ongoing cooperation in infrastructure projects such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port, railways, and airports, as well as growing collaboration in digital technology and agriculture.
Economic opportunity
ECOWAS Commission President, Omar Alieu Touray, said stronger ties with China offer significant economic opportunities for West African countries.
“For us, this is a major opportunity… having access to such a massive market for our produce and products is a major opportunity that we must all seize,” he said.
He noted that improved market access could boost production, particularly in agriculture.
“If you go to some of our countries now, you will find mangoes just dropping and rotting… but if you have the capacity to send them duty-free to China, certainly this will enhance productivity and create employment,” he added.
Mr Touray also linked economic growth to improved security, stating that increased opportunities could help engage youth and reduce instability across the region.
Nigeria reacts
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described the headquarters as a strategic asset.
“This new Headquarters symbolises more than administrative convenience. It is a strategic asset that will enhance institutional effectiveness, deepen collaboration among Member States, and reinforce the capacity of the Commission to respond to emerging challenges,” she said.
Project details
The complex sits on 70,186 square metres with a total floor area of 36,606 square metres. It includes office buildings, a conference centre, parking facilities, internal roads, and utility systems.
Originally proposed in 2015, construction began in November 2021 and was completed in December 2025.
The facility is equipped with smart systems and solar-powered infrastructure, aligning with international standards for modern administrative complexes.
Mr Touray urged ECOWAS member states to properly maintain the facility.
“We have no reason, no right whatsoever, to neglect a structure of this nature,” he said.
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