The new headquarters complex of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), located in Abuja, Nigeria, is expected to become operational in March 2026.
The announcement follows a site visit carried out on Thursday, January 29, 2026, by a delegation from the management of the ECOWAS Commission, led by its President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray.
Built on a seven-hectare site along the Abuja airport road, the new facility is 96% complete, according to the statement. The remaining 4% of work includes general finishing operations, correction of defects, as well as technical testing and commissioning.
Named "The Eye of West Africa,” the complex was fully funded and constructed by the People’s Republic of China through the China International Development Cooperation Agency (China Aid). It is designed as a modern and functional administrative complex intended to simultaneously house the ECOWAS Commission, Parliament, and Court of Justice.
The new headquarters includes a main administrative building featuring three restaurants and cafeterias, banking facilities, a daycare center, a gym, and three blocks totaling 899 workstations. The central block has eleven floors, while Blocks B and C each have eight floors.
The President and Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray and Ms. Damtien Larbli Tchintchibidja, visited the construction site of the ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja.
The complex also includes a multipurpose building with security facilities, storage areas, a water reservoir, and archive rooms. It is equipped with parking facilities with a total capacity of 702 spaces, a 720-seat auditorium, two committee rooms, a conference hall, technical facilities, guard posts, and a helipad.
According to the Commission, the new headquarters is seen as a symbol of strengthened cooperation between China and ECOWAS. It forms part of a dynamic of technical and institutional partnership aimed at enhancing the operational capacities of the regional organization.
The President and Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray and Ms. Damtien Larbli Tchintchibidja, expressed the institution’s deep gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for its support, describing the building as a symbol of Beijing’s commitment to West African integration.
According to Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, the new complex will improve ECOWAS’ operational efficiency, reduce operating costs, and increase staff productivity.