ECOWAS’ ‘Eye of West Africa’ Nears Take-Off, Commission Management Inspects New Abuja Headquarters. By Raymond Enoch
ECOWAS’ ‘Eye of West Africa’ Nears Take-Off, Commission Management Inspects New Abuja Headquarters.
By Raymond Enoch
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken a decisive step toward institutional consolidation and regional visibility as the management of the Commission conducted a high-level inspection of its new headquarters complex in Abuja, confirming that the iconic facility will be operational by March 2026.
The visit, which took place on Thursday, 29 January 2026, was led by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, and comprised top officials of the Commission, signalling the strategic importance attached to the project as the sub-regional body prepares to transition into a new phase of administrative efficiency and symbolic presence.
Located on a sprawling 7-hectare site along the Abuja Airport Road, the ultra-modern complex is designed to house the ECOWAS Commission, the ECOWAS Parliament and the Community Court of Justice, effectively bringing the core institutions of the Community under one roof for the first time. During the inspection, the delegation was briefed on the project’s current status, which stands at 96 per cent completion.
Authoritative source has it that the outstanding four per cent of work includes general restoration already in progress, alongside defect rectification, testing and commissioning, all of which are scheduled to be concluded ahead of the March 2026 operational target.
Members of the Commission’s management expressed satisfaction with the quality of work delivered so far and the pace of completion.
Cristened the “Eye of West Africa” due to its distinctive architectural design, the headquarters complex is widely regarded as one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects undertaken by ECOWAS since its establishment.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the facility is expected to enhance coordination among ECOWAS institutions, improve working conditions for staff, and project a stronger image of regional unity and purpose.
The project is fully funded and constructed by the People’s Republic of China through the China International Development Cooperation Agency (China Aid), underscoring the depth of cooperation between ECOWAS and China in the area of development infrastructure.
ECOWAS officials noted that the complex stands as a symbol of international partnership in support of regional integration in West Africa.
As the Commission management concluded the inspection, optimism was high that the new headquarters would soon become a functional nerve centre for ECOWAS’ political, economic and judicial activities, reinforcing Abuja’s position as a hub of regional diplomacy and marking a significant milestone in the Community’s institutional history.
