President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to accelerate industrialisation, strengthen regional value chains and deepen economic integration to drive sustainable development across the sub-region.
The President made the call on Thursday during the inauguration of the new ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja, describing the facility as a symbol of the bloc’s renewed commitment to unity, resilience and shared prosperity.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu said the iconic headquarters, known as the “Eye of Africa,” represents not just a new administrative complex but a reaffirmation of the vision that has guided ECOWAS since its establishment more than 50 years ago.
He said the regional body had made remarkable progress in promoting peace, democracy, economic cooperation and the free movement of people and goods, but warned that emerging challenges require a stronger and more coordinated response.
According to the President, terrorism, violent extremism, food insecurity, economic instability, climate change, public health emergencies and the growing expectations of West Africa’s youthful population demand renewed collaboration among member states.
Tinubu stressed that the next phase of ECOWAS integration must focus on building productive economies capable of creating jobs and reducing dependence on imports.
He urged governments across the region to invest in manufacturing, innovation, regional supply chains and intra-ECOWAS trade, saying sustainable prosperity can only be achieved through increased local production and industrial growth.
“The future of our region lies in producing what we consume, strengthening our industries and unlocking the immense potential of our people,” he said.
The President also called for greater solidarity following the withdrawal of three member states from the regional bloc, noting that ECOWAS should remain committed to dialogue and engagement.
He maintained that regional integration should no longer be viewed solely through the lens of economic cooperation but also as a platform for collective security, political stability, sustainable development and improved living standards.
Tinubu commended the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, for providing leadership during a critical period for the organisation.
He also praised the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, for overseeing the successful completion of the headquarters project and thanked the Government of China for financing the landmark building.
Speaking at the event, President Bio described the new headquarters as a renewed pledge by ECOWAS leaders to serve the interests of more than 450 million people in West Africa.
He lauded Nigeria for its consistent leadership and financial support to the regional organisation, describing the country as a pillar of ECOWAS.
Also, Dr. Touray said the new headquarters would strengthen institutional coordination and enhance the commission’s capacity to deliver on its regional integration mandate.
China’s Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Yu Dunhai, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Africa’s development, saying the headquarters symbolises the enduring partnership between China and West Africa in advancing regional integration and shared development.