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President Bola Tinubu has called on West African nations to accelerate industrialisation and transform the region from a consumer market into a major production hub. Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the inauguration of the new headquarters of Economic Community of West African States in Abuja, Tinubu described the new complex as a symbol of renewal, resilience and the bloc’s commitment to regional integration, peace and shared prosperity.
The President stressed that the region must move beyond speeches and aspirations by prioritising industrialisation, manufacturing, innovation, investment and stronger regional value chains. He noted that while ECOWAS has made significant progress in promoting democracy, peacebuilding, economic cooperation and the free movement of people and goods, West Africa must also confront pressing challenges such as terrorism, violent extremism, food insecurity, climate change, public health concerns and economic vulnerability.
Tinubu expressed appreciation to the Government of China for financing the new ECOWAS headquarters, popularly referred to as the “Eye of Africa,” as well as the contractors and stakeholders who delivered the project. He urged leaders across the sub-region to ensure that decisions taken within the new complex advance peace, unity, prosperity and the dignity of the people of West Africa, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to deeper regional cooperation and sustainable development.
