Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice to implement reforms aimed at improving citizens’ access to justice and addressing emerging regional and global challenges.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the ECOWAS Court’s 2025/2026 Legal Year in Abuja, themed “ECOWAS Court and International Law: Expanding Access and Navigating Contemporary Challenges,” Mr. Fagbemi reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering support for the Court as the host nation.
“Nigeria remains steadfast in its support for the ECOWAS Court of Justice. We recognise its pivotal role in promoting regional stability, economic integration, and the protection of human rights,” he stated. “We are committed to collaborating with member states to strengthen the Court’s effectiveness, independence, and accessibility.”
The Minister described the theme of the event as “timely and profound,” noting that it provided an opportunity to reflect on the Court’s evolving role as a bridge between national legal systems and international norms. He emphasised the need to reaffirm collective dedication to justice, integration, and the rule of law, describing the ECOWAS Court as “the guardian of rights and obligations within the bloc.”
Highlighting the importance of the institution, Mr. Fagbemi said: “The ECOWAS Court of Justice is a vital instrument in shaping international law across West Africa. It must be equipped to interpret laws in ways that safeguard digital freedoms while balancing national security concerns.”
He further urged member states to pursue greater uniformity in legal standards, reciprocity in enforcement, and consistent judicial review to strengthen access to justice. “Our legal space must not be a patchwork of divergent systems but a harmonised framework that promotes credibility, fairness, and mutual respect,” he noted.
The Attorney-General encouraged the ECOWAS Court to adopt best practices from other regional judicial bodies such as the European Court of Human Rights, the East African Court of Justice, and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. “Comparative learning is not imitation—it is evolution,” he said, stressing the value of lessons on transparency, judicial independence, and engagement with civil society.
Mr. Fagbemi also advocated for the institutionalisation of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms to expand access to justice and reduce the burden on formal court proceedings. “This will foster a more inclusive and responsive justice system that reflects the diverse realities of our region,” he added.
He called on the Court to complement the efforts of the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) by reinforcing anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, and counter-terrorism initiatives.
Meanwhile, Justice Komba Kamanda, Chief Justice of Sierra Leone and Chairman of the ECOWAS Judicial Council, revealed that discussions were ongoing about establishing an ECOWAS Court of Appeal. He said the Council was also considering updates to procedural rules to enhance enforcement of the Court’s judgments and deepen its relationship with the Judicial Council.
Justice Kamanda underscored the importance of public engagement, stating, “We must bring the Court closer to the people through deliberate outreach programmes that help citizens understand its nature and functions.”
The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice holds its Legal Year annually, providing a forum for stakeholders to assess its achievements, review challenges, and chart a course for its future development.
Source:Africa Publicity
