The new headquarters complex of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is nearing completion and is expected to become operational in March 2026, according to information released at the end of January 2026 following an official site visit by ECOWAS officials.
Located on a 7-hectare site along the Abuja airport road, the large architectural complex, nicknamed “the Eye of West Africa,” will for the first time house the ECOWAS Commission, the ECOWAS Parliament, and the Community Court of Justice within a single modern facility.
During an inspection visit conducted on January 29, 2026, a high-level delegation from the ECOWAS Commission, led by its President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, confirmed that construction work had reached approximately 96 percent completion. The remaining work mainly involves general finishing, corrections of minor defects, technical testing, and commissioning of facilities, some of which are already underway while others are scheduled in the coming weeks.
This advanced level of completion confirms that the complex is on track to begin operations in early March 2026, as announced by the ECOWAS Commission.
Until now, ECOWAS institutions have operated from multiple buildings across Abuja, which has limited coordination and increased operational costs. The new centralized headquarters is expected to improve institutional efficiency, strengthen internal collaboration, and enhance the organization’s international visibility.
The distinctive design of the complex, which inspired the name “Eye of West Africa,” also reflects ECOWAS’s ambition to better serve its 15 member states, particularly in areas such as peace and security, democratic governance, and economic development.
The project is fully financed and constructed by the People’s Republic of China through the China International Development Cooperation Agency, commonly known as China Aid. This initiative is part of broader cooperation between China and West African countries aimed at supporting major regional infrastructure projects.
Construction officially began in December 2022 following a groundbreaking ceremony attended by regional leaders and Chinese representatives. The project was provided as a grant to ECOWAS, illustrating China’s growing role in supporting institutional infrastructure across Africa.
Once operational, the new headquarters is expected to significantly improve the working conditions and productivity of ECOWAS staff, streamline administrative processes, and strengthen coordination among the community’s institutions. Beyond its functional role, the complex stands as a strong symbol of West African unity and the commitment of member states to reinforcing their regional organization.
In summary, reports that the new ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja is nearly completed, fully funded by China, and scheduled to open in March 2026 are accurate and well supported by official sources.