President Muhammadu Buhari officiated at the official ground-breaking ceremony for the new ECOWAS Headquarters complex, also known as the Eye of West Africa, which will be built by the Chinese government.
President Buhari stated that the structure will strengthen African countries’ brotherhood.
The building was envisioned as an all-encompassing architectural phenomenon as a result of engagements and an agreement between the Peoples Republic of China and ECOWAS.
It would represent the three hundred and eighty million West African Citizens and would house the three major ECOWAS Institutions, including the ECOWAS Commission, the Community Court of Justice and the Parliament.
President Buhari was accompanied by the Chair of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and President of Guinea Bissau, Mr. Sissoco Embalo; President of the ECOWAS Commission, Doctor Omar Alieu Touray; Ambassador Representing the Government of Peoples Republic of China; Permanent Representatives and Members of Diplomatic Corps as well as Heads of ECOWAS Institutions and Commissioners to the ceremony at the Airport road in Lugbe, Abuja.
He gave directives to the various ministries, departments and agencies under the Coordination of Nigerian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, to ensure smooth facilitation of the project.
The Eye of West Africa which is China’s commitment to the sub-regional organisation is expected to be completed in twenty six months and commissioned by February 2025.