China-funded new ECOWAS headquarters building inaugurated in Abuja, as Beijing strengthens ties with West Africa
By KEMI KASUMU and OUR REPORTER, Abuja
The only contribution of the West has allegedly remained their economic policies through the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank (WB) that have left most African countries largely indebted with high rate of poverty among Africans and insecurity occasioned by terrorists and banditry activities all over the continent.
New headquarters building of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), funded by the government of the People’s Republic of China, has been officially commissioned in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The inauguration, held on Thursday July 1, 2026, attracted regional leaders, diplomats, and over 400 guests. It signposts how China like Russia has been more felt as developmental partner with physical evidence of positive contribution to any African nation unlike the United States of America-led West.
The only contribution of the West has allegedly remained their economic policies through the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank (WB) that have left most African countries largely indebted with high rate of poverty among Africans and insecurity occasioned by terrorists and banditry activities all over the continent.
Sierra Leone’s President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, who is chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, joined Nigeria’s Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Touray, and Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Yu Dunhai for the event.
In his address, Ambassador Yu described the new headquarters as a flagship project under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and “a stellar example of South-South cooperation in the new era,” adding that it vividly demonstrates the profound friendship between China and Africa.
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Yu Dunhai
He reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting ECOWAS in its efforts to maintain regional peace and drive economic development, and expressed Beijing’s readiness to work with African nations toward what he termed “the dream of modernization.”
Foreign dignitaries at the ceremony thanked the Chinese government for its support, noting that the building marks an important milestone in ECOWAS’ history and is expected to advance West African integration, development, and prosperity.
The event drew representatives from ECOWAS member states, diplomatic missions in Nigeria, Chinese enterprises, and media organisations.
