President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the Economic Community of West African States to accelerate industrialisation and transform the region into a production-driven economy, saying stronger manufacturing and regional value chains are essential for sustainable growth.
Speaking at the inauguration of the bloc’s new headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, described the facility, known as the “Eye of Africa,” as a symbol of renewed commitment to regional integration, peace and shared prosperity.
He said the new headquarters reflects ECOWAS’ enduring vision of solidarity and cooperation, noting that the regional bloc has earned global recognition for its contributions to peacebuilding, democratic governance, economic cooperation and the free movement of people, goods and services.
The President, however, warned that West Africa continues to grapple with terrorism, violent extremism, economic vulnerability, food insecurity, climate change, public health threats and the growing demands of its youthful population.
Tinubu stressed that the next phase of regional integration must be driven by industrialisation rather than dependence on imported goods. According to him, ECOWAS should prioritise manufacturing, innovation, investment and expanded intra-regional trade, warning that a region that consumes more than it produces will remain dependent on external economies.
Commenting on the recent exit of three member states from the bloc, Tinubu said ECOWAS should keep its doors open for dialogue, emphasising that regional integration remains vital for collective security, political stability, sustainable development and the well-being of citizens.
He commended Julius Maada Bio, Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, for his leadership, and praised the ECOWAS Commission for completing the headquarters project. Tinubu also expressed appreciation to the Government of China for financing the complex and acknowledged the contributions of the contractors and consultants involved.President Bio described the inauguration as an opportunity to renew the bloc’s commitment to the more than 450 million people of West Africa, while thanking Nigeria for its continued financial and political support to ECOWAS.President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, said the new headquarters represents regional partnership and integration, adding that it would serve as a hub for cooperation, development and stability.China’s Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Yu Dunhai, said the project reflects China’s commitment to supporting Africa’s regional integration through practical cooperation and mutual development.
