The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) celebrated its 50th anniversary on May 28, 2025, in Lagos. This city is significant as it was where the Treaty of Lagos was signed by 15 West African Heads of State and Government in 1975, establishing ECOWAS to promote economic integration across the region.
To commemorate this milestone, three events were organized: a symbolic re-enactment and signing of the Lagos Declaration by ECOWAS Heads of State and Government with General Dr. Yakubu Gowon, the only surviving founding father; a commemorative ceremony; and a roundtable conference titled “ECOWAS, an African Model @50: Resilience and Future Prospects.”
H.E. Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and Chair of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, welcomed dignitaries at the ceremony. He reflected on the journey from post-colonial fragmentation to regional integration and praised the vision behind ECOWAS. He highlighted mechanisms like the Community Levy and initiatives such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme.
He urged unity amid global uncertainty and regional challenges like extremism and climate change. “This time around, we will not miss out. We will be organised under ECOWAS… There is no such thing as splendid isolation—only common purpose can meet the challenges of today,” he stated.
H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, honored visionary leaders who founded ECOWAS on May 28, 1975. He spoke about milestones such as free movement of people and peacekeeping efforts while acknowledging challenges like terrorism and economic hardship.
“This Golden Jubilee does not mark an end. It represents a new beginning—the renewal of a promise… only together can we create conditions for a bright future for our region,” Dr. Touray emphasized.
General Dr. Yakubu Gowon celebrated fifty years since signing the Treaty of Lagos in his statement during the commemoration. He praised ECOWAS’s role in advancing democracy and called for renewed commitment to good governance.
“The Treaty… was more than a legal document; it was a declaration of hope… We envisioned an ECOWAS that would break artificial borders,” he remarked.
In his keynote address, H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of Nigeria and Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, stressed transcending colonial-era borders for regional unity. Paying tribute to past leaders like General Gowon, he noted achievements in peacekeeping and trade liberalization.
“Our young people… must be at heart… Their success is key to our future stability,” President Tinubu added.
Looking forward, he called for renewed commitment to integration during this momentous occasion.