The Chinese government has officially handed over the keys of the new headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to its President, Dr Omar Alieu Touray. The symbolic key to the massive structure located along Abuja Airport Road was presented by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai.
Building Details
Constructed in less than three years at a cost of $56.5 million, the modern office complex includes a central wing with a ground floor and nine upper floors, flanked by east and west wings, each with a ground floor and seven upper floors. It provides office accommodation for all ECOWAS Commission personnel and designated project staff. The offices are fully equipped with meeting rooms on each floor, each seating about 20 people and fitted with interpretation systems.
On the ground floor, there are facilities including a clinic, gym, banking services, shops, restaurants, an observatory, several rooms, a daycare centre for nursing mothers, and exhibition spaces. A two-storey conference centre with a seating capacity of 800 persons is also part of the complex, fully equipped with interpretation systems, audiovisual facilities, press briefing rooms, meeting rooms, and training facilities. The complex includes parking for approximately 700 vehicles.
China-Africa Relations
In his remarks, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria stated that China has consistently prioritised its relationship with Africa, remaining steadfast and reliable in the continent's pursuit of development and national rejuvenation over the past 70 years of diplomatic relations. He emphasised that throughout these seven decades, China has supported African nations in exploring modernisation paths tailored to their unique national conditions and advocates for a stronger African voice in international affairs.
The Envoy stressed that cooperation is built on the principles of non-interference, with no political strings attached to Chinese support for Africa and Nigeria. He reiterated China's commitment to a demand-driven approach that respects African autonomy and sovereignty, translating support into tangible actions for Africa's revitalisation.
Ambassador Dunhai listed the '10 Partnership Actions' for China and Africa to jointly advance modernisation, earlier proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the launched initiative on Cooperation Supporting Modernization in Africa, and the recent announcement of 100 per cent zero-tariff treatment to all African countries having diplomatic ties with China. He noted that these initiatives are testaments to the continuity and evolution of China's Africa policy.
