By Favour Ulebor, Abuja

The President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, to transform its regional market into a production base, urging member states to produce more and rely less on imports in order to strengthen the region’s economy and guarantee long term prosperity.

Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, stated this on Thursday during the commissioning of the new ECOWAS headquarters building in Abuja, where leaders of the regional bloc reaffirmed their commitment to regional integration, democracy, peace and economic development.

Describing the newly inaugurated headquarters as more than a physical structure, the President said it symbolises the aspirations of West Africa and the determination of member states to build a stronger and more united community.

The President said although ECOWAS had made significant progress in promoting peace, democratic governance, economic cooperation and the free movement of people and goods, the region continued to face terrorism, violent extremism, food insecurity, economic vulnerability, climate change and public health challenges that require stronger regional collaboration.

He stressed that the next phase of regional integration must be driven by industrialisation and increased local production rather than dependence on imported goods.

He noted that the commissioning marked not only the opening of a new headquarters but also a renewed commitment to the ideals upon which ECOWAS was founded more than five decades ago.

He also commended the ECOWAS Commission for delivering the project and appreciated the Government of the People’s Republic of China for financing the building.

He said, “The hour has come to transform our regional market into a regional production base.

“We must deepen our industrialization, modify our regional value chains, expand our intra regional footprint, and open the doors of innovation, manufacturing, and investment for our young people.

“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 be at the mercy of the goodwill of others.”

Tinubu further stated that regional integration had become more than an economic objective, saying it was now central to collective security, political stability, sustainable development and the welfare of West Africans.

He added that ECOWAS should continue to strengthen solidarity among member states while keeping its doors open to countries that may decide to rejoin the regional bloc in the future.

President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Julius Maada Bio, described the inauguration as a defining moment in the history of the regional organisation, saying it represented a renewed commitment to the founding vision of cooperation, solidarity and shared prosperity.

Bio said the significance of the headquarters would not be measured by the beauty of its architecture but by the quality of decisions taken within its walls and the positive impact those decisions would have on the lives of more than 450 million West Africans.

According to him, the institution must continue to earn the trust of citizens through integrity, accountability and effective leadership.

He observed that despite ECOWAS’ achievements in promoting free movement, peace support operations, mediation and regional cooperation over the past 51 years, citizens now expect practical improvements in their daily lives.

He said West Africans want opportunities for young people, stronger economies, improved security, greater participation of women in development and easier movement across borders.

The Sierra Leonean leader also acknowledged the growing security threats, climate change, economic uncertainty and constitutional challenges facing parts of the region.

He said ECOWAS would continue to defend democratic governance and constitutional order while pursuing dialogue and peaceful political transitions, insisting that the future of West Africa depends on courageous leadership and stronger regional unity.

President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, said the commissioning of the headquarters marked a historic milestone for the Commission and reflected the regional body’s determination to modernise its operations in line with its expanding responsibilities.

He explained that before the completion of the project, the Commission’s departments and institutions operated from different locations across Abuja, creating logistical and operational challenges.

According to him, the new headquarters, would improve coordination, efficiency and collaboration by bringing personnel together under one roof.

While expressing gratitude to China for financing the project and Nigeria for providing continuous institutional support as host country, he stressed that the true value of the building would depend on the commitment of ECOWAS institutions to use it as a centre for innovation, collaboration and policies that deliver meaningful benefits to the people of West Africa.

Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Yu Dunhai, described the headquarters as another landmark in China’s longstanding partnership with Africa and a demonstration of Beijing’s commitment to regional integration and development.

He said the project, delivered under the framework of the Forum on China Africa Cooperation, reflects the enduring friendship between China and Africa and symbolises the shared aspiration of West African countries to promote unity, peace and prosperity through stronger regional institutions.

The ambassador reaffirmed China’s readiness to deepen cooperation with ECOWAS in critical sectors including infrastructure, trade, digital economy, agriculture, food security, education, youth development and cultural exchanges. He added that China would continue to support ECOWAS in promoting peace, development and improved livelihoods across the sub region.

Yu also said China regards ECOWAS as an important strategic partner and remains committed to supporting its efforts to strengthen regional peace and economic integration.

He expressed confidence that the new headquarters would serve as a centre for dialogue, cooperation and development, while further deepening the relationship between China and West Africa for the benefit of both sides.