By Ijeoma Agbafo
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has described China as one of its most strategic partners, citing the construction of its new 56.5-million-dollar headquarters in Abuja and sustained support for regional peace and security.
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, stated this on Thursday at the official commissioning of the 11-storey headquarters complex. He said China had consistently supported ECOWAS’ regional integration efforts through financial, technical and military assistance, including the provision of equipment and vehicles for the ECOWAS Standby Force.
Touray commended the Chinese Government for completing and handing over the headquarters within two years, describing the project as a symbol of the enduring partnership between China and West Africa. He called for deeper international cooperation to promote regional integration, peace, security, economic transformation and improved livelihoods across the sub-region.
China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, described the facility, known as the “Eye of West Africa”, as a flagship project under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). He reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with ECOWAS in governance, culture, education, youth development and regional peace.
Also speaking, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, described China as a dependable development partner, while President Julius Maada Bio, Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, said the new headquarters symbolised lasting friendship and cooperation, urging member states to strengthen the regional institution to meet future challenges.
