Shaanxi Construction Engineering Group Corporation (SCEGC) has completed the frame structure of the China-Aid ECOWAS Headquarters building construction in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.
The Topping-Out ceremony, held on July 5, 2024, was attended by distinguished personalities including Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign of Affairs; Zhang Yi, Chargé D’affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria; Damtien Tchintchibidja, Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission; Wei Pengfei, General Manager of SCEGC; Cui Guanzhen, Director-General of the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, Foreign Ministers from ECOWAS member states and Commissioners of the ECOWAS Commission.
In his welcome address, Wei Pengfei, General Manager of SCEGC, the main contractor for the project highlighted the challenges and difficulties the construction team had faced throughout the project but emphasized that with the concerted efforts and support of various institutions and organizations, including the ECOWAS Commission, the Nigerian government, labour unions, the Chinese Embassy and the China Chamber of Commerce, they were able to overcome these obstacles.
“From the piling works and foundation excavation to the completion of the main structure, all participants and our construction team have contributed their wisdom and strength at every step of the works,” Wei said.
Wei emphasized that the successful completion of the frame structure demonstrates the spirit of unity, cooperation, honesty, and trustworthiness upheld throughout the construction process. He assured the attendees that the project team would continue focusing on quality, safety, and timely completion as they move forward with the finishing and decoration.
Also speaking, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, said the completion of the frame structure of the building was a tangible manifestation of China’s commitment to ECOWAS and Africa as a whole.
“The People’s Republic of China has delivered and continues to deliver for ECOWAS, for Africa, and the partnership is real,” Tuggar said. “The partnership is for the future, and the partnership is one that the ECOWAS countries truly appreciate.”
The Minister expressed gratitude for China’s involvement in the ECOWAS Headquarters project, stating that it symbolizes a deep commitment to the unity, progress, and future of the regional organization. He stressed that the partnership between China and ECOWAS is not only beneficial for the two parties but also for the entire African continent and humanity as a whole.
Zhang Yi, Chargé D’affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting the regional organization and its member states.
“The ECOWAS Headquarters Building project is a vivid manifestation of the traditional friendship between China and the Member States of ECOWAS,” Zhang said. “It reflects China’s sincere desire and determination to support African unity, peace, and development. It also demonstrates China’s consistent support to Nigeria, which is the host country of ECOWAS.”
Zhang emphasized that the Chinese Embassy attaches great importance to the ECOWAS Headquarters project and will continue to work closely with the regional organization, the Nigerian government, and other stakeholders to ensure the project’s completion in the highest quality by next year.
The dignitaries were subsequently taken on a tour of the facilities by the project manager of SCEGC, showcasing the progress made on the construction of the China-Aided ECOWAS Headquarters building.
fully funded by the Chinese government, the new ECOWAS secretariate is expected to have state-of-the-art office buildings, conference rooms, solar power systems, and road facilities thus enhancing the operational capacity of the regional body made up of 15 member countries.
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