Tinubu heads to Lagos for ECOWAS 50th anniversary, infrastructure launches

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Tuesday for Lagos, where he will lead celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and commission a series of major infrastructure projects.

The golden jubilee celebration, which was flagged off in Accra last month, will continue with several events in Lagos. “The Lagos events will include reenacting the 1975 declaration at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Victoria Island,” the Presidency announced in a statement signed by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

President Tinubu, who is currently serving as ECOWAS Chairman, will also speak at a commemorative gathering at Eko Hotels and Suites. According to Onanuga, “President Tinubu will highlight the economic bloc’s milestones,” reflecting on five decades of regional integration and cooperation.

Also expected to speak is Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Chairman of the NIIA and former Minister of External Affairs, who will deliver a review of ECOWAS’s progress since its founding. His presentation will be followed by a panel discussion examining the challenges and successes of the bloc.

A special appearance will be made by General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), the only surviving Head of State who signed the original ECOWAS declaration in 1975. Gowon “will participate in all the ceremonies and deliver a speech at the Eko Hotels,” the statement added.

Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, will open the event with a welcome address.

While in Lagos, President Tinubu will commission several landmark infrastructure projects on Saturday, May 31. These include Section I of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Lekki Deep Sea Port Tax Credit Concrete Road, the flag-off of Section II of the Coastal Highway, and the 7th Axial Road.

Additionally, Tinubu will virtually commission road projects across the northern region, including the Kano-Kanwar-Danja-Hadejiya Section II Road and Yakasai-Zalli Road. He will also flag off work on the Kano Northern Bypass and several sections of road networks connecting Zaria, Dabai, Kafur, Malumfashi, and Dayi.

Before returning to Abuja, President Tinubu will observe the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the State House Mosque in Dodan Barracks.

“This visit underscores the President’s commitment to both regional leadership and national infrastructure development,” Onanuga said.