Nigeria will host the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) today, May 28 2025, in Lagos, marking a major milestone in the region’s journey toward economic integration and political cooperation.
At a press briefing in Abuja, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, announced that the golden jubilee would serve not only as a retrospective on five decades of ECOWAS achievements but also as a platform to reinforce regional solidarity and chart a path forward.
“The celebration is not just a look back—it’s a springboard for deeper cooperation in the years ahead,” Tuggar stated.
The commemoration will take place at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), with follow-up events at the ECOWAS Hotel and Suites. The gathering will bring together Heads of State and Government from across West Africa.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who currently chairs the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, will lead the Nigerian delegation. Notably, General Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s former Head of State and the last surviving founding father of ECOWAS, is also expected to attend.
Despite recent turbulence—including the exit of three member states—Tuggar emphasized ECOWAS’s enduring legacy of cooperation and development. He underscored several key milestones:
ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS)
Abidjan-Lagos and Abidjan-Dakar transport corridors
SIGMAT digital system for tracking goods
Common External Tariff for unified trade policy
West Africa Power Pool for cross-border electricity sharing
Livestock vaccination and regional health coordination
Self-financing mechanisms through the ECOWAS levy
“These successes remind us that while crises may dominate headlines, the broader story of ECOWAS is one of progress,” Tuggar noted.
Youth empowerment will feature prominently during the celebration, with dialogues focusing on unlocking the potential of West Africa’s youthful demographic—over 60% of whom are under 30 years old.
The event will also spotlight forward-looking projects such as the Trans-African Gas Pipeline from Nigeria to Morocco. The pipeline aims to connect up to 15 countries and eventually extend to Europe, reinforcing West Africa’s role in global energy networks.
Tuggar praised President Tinubu’s leadership during a period of regional uncertainty, stating:
“When ECOWAS faces challenges, it looks to Nigeria for direction—and that leadership is now being provided.”
As ECOWAS commemorates its golden jubilee, the celebration in Lagos is expected to serve not only as a tribute to five decades of achievement but also as a strategic launchpad for the next phase of regional integration, youth development, and continental trade expansion.
ECOWAS RETURNS TO LAGOS TODAY
