President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for a fundamental shift in West Africa’s economic integration, urging member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to transform the region from a market for imported goods into a production-driven economy.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the commissioning of the new ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, Tinubu said the new complex should serve as a symbol of renewed commitment to regional integration, peace, industrialisation and shared prosperity across West Africa.
The position was contained in a statement signed by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications(Office of the Vice President).
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“The hour has come to transform our regional market into a regional production base. Our integration must increasingly be driven by what we produce rather than by what we consume, for a Community that consumes what it does not make will forever live at the mercy of the goodwill of others,” the President said.
Describing the new ECOWAS headquarters, known as the “Eye of Africa,” as more than an architectural landmark, Tinubu said it represents the renewal of the bloc’s founding ideals of regional integration, solidarity and collective prosperity.
“Today marks not only the inauguration of an impressive landmark, but the renewal of a covenant, our covenant with the ideals of regional integration, solidarity and shared prosperity,” he said.
The President noted that ECOWAS has earned global recognition for its achievements in peace-building, democratic governance, economic cooperation, and the free movement of people, goods, and services.
However, he warned that the region continues to face significant challenges, including terrorism, violent extremism, economic vulnerability, food insecurity, climate change, public health threats and the aspirations of its growing youth population.
Tinubu stressed that regional integration can no longer be viewed solely from an economic perspective, especially in light of evolving security challenges and the recent withdrawal of three member states from the bloc.
“Regional integration can no longer be an economic imperative alone. It has become a comprehensive framework for our collective security, our political stability, our sustainable development and the welfare of our peoples,” he said.
He added that the doors of ECOWAS should remain open to countries that have chosen to leave, calling for renewed dialogue, deeper solidarity and a shared commitment to regional unity.
The President commended Sierra Leone’s President and Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Julius Maada Bio, for providing steady leadership during a challenging period for the region.
He also congratulated the President and management of the ECOWAS Commission for delivering the new headquarters, describing it as a reflection of the bloc’s determination to build enduring institutions.
Tinubu expressed appreciation to the Government of the People’s Republic of China for financing the project, as well as Shaanxi Construction Engineering Group Company Limited, consultants, Nigerian counterparts, and other stakeholders involved in its construction.
“May every decision taken within these walls advance the peace, the unity, the prosperity and the dignity of the peoples of West Africa,” he said.
Earlier, President Julius Maada Bio said the inauguration of the headquarters offered member states an opportunity to renew their commitment to the more than 450 million people of West Africa and strengthen the effectiveness of the regional organisation.
He thanked Nigeria for its consistent financial and leadership support to ECOWAS, describing the country as “a great anchor” of the bloc, while also expressing appreciation to China for donating the headquarters building.
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, also thanked the Chinese government and people for the donation, describing the new headquarters as a lasting symbol of regional partnership and integration that will enhance the commission’s expanding mandate.
Touray noted that China has remained a strategic partner of ECOWAS through support for regional security, technology and economic development, adding that the commission remains committed to ensuring the facility serves as a centre for regional transformation and stability.
In his goodwill message, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Yu Dunhai, described the inauguration as another milestone in China’s support for Africa’s integration, saying future cooperation between China, ECOWAS and Africa would continue to be anchored on mutual trust and practical collaboration that supports Africa’s development aspirations.