The Chinese Government has handed the keys of the new headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to its President, Dr Omar Alieu Touray.

The symbolic key to the gigantic structure along Abuja Airport Road was officially presented to the commission by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai.

Built less than three years ago at a cost of $56.5 million, the modern office complex comprises a central wing with a ground-floor and nine upper floors, flanked by east and west wings, each with a ground floor and seven upper floors.

It also holds office accommodation for all ECOWAS Commission’s personnel and designated project staff.

The offices are fully equipped with meeting rooms on each floor, with a seating capacity of about 20 people and fitted with interpretation systems. On the ground floor are a clinic, gym, banking facilities, shops, restaurants, observatory, several rooms, a daycare centre for nursing mothers and exhibition spaces.

There is also a two-storey conference centre with a seating capacity of 800 persons and fully equipped with interpretation systems, audiovisual facilities, press briefing rooms, meeting rooms and training facilities. The complex has a parking facility for about 700 vehicles.

In his remarks, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria said China has consistently prioritised its relationship with Africa, remaining steadfast and reliable in the continent’s pursuit of development and national rejuvenation since the past 70 years of diplomatic relations.

“Throughout these seven decades, China has supported African nations in exploring modernisation paths tailored to their unique national conditions and advocates for a stronger African voice in international affairs. Our cooperation is built on the principles of non-interference.

The Envoy emphasised that there are no political strings attached to Chinese support for Africa and Nigeria.

“We remain committed to a demand-driven approach that respects African autonomy and sovereignty, translating our support into tangible actions for Africa’s revitalisation.

Ambassador Dunhai listed the ‘10 Partnership Actions’ for China and Africa to jointly advance modernisation, earlier proposed by the country’s President, Xi Jinping; the launched initiative on Cooperation Supporting Modernization in Africa, and the recent announcement of 100 per cent zero-tariff treatment to all African countries having diplomatic ties with China, stressing that the initiatives were testaments to the continuity and evolution of China’s Africa policy.