The Nigerian government has hailed China’s commitment to the growth of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yussuf Tuggar, disclosed this at the topping-out ceremony marking the completion of the frame structure of the China-funded new ECOWAS Headquarters building in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.
The new ECOWAS Headquarters building, being constructed by the Shaanxi Construction Engineering Group Corporation (SCEGC), is set to feature state-of-the-art office buildings, conference rooms, solar power systems, and road facilities, all aimed at enhancing the operational capacity of the regional body comprising 15 member countries.
In his remarks, 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 praised the collaboration between ECOWAS, the Nigerian government, and the Chinese construction company, Shaanxi, which is leading the project. He highlighted the deep cultural and historical ties between China and West Africa, drawing parallels between the region’s long-standing trade routes and China’s renowned Silk Road and Spice trade routes.
“If it is not the Trans-Saharan trade route, then it’s the Kolanut trade route, then it is trade across the West African coast, the Gulf of Guinea. And indeed, this is what China is also renowned for,” Tuggar said.
The Minister expressed gratitude for China’s involvement in the ECOWAS Headquarters project, stating that it symbolizes a deep commitment to the regional organisation’s unity, progress, and future.
He emphasized 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.
“We would like to thank you for this partnership, and we continue to look forward to even closer ties, and we can’t wait to see more of this building,” Tuggar added.
The completion of the frame structure marks a significant milestone in the construction of the new ECOWAS Headquarters, which is being funded by the Chinese government as part of its efforts to support regional integration and development in West Africa.
The project is expected to enhance the operational capabilities of the regional organization and further strengthen the China-Africa partnership.
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