The Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) formally opened its 2025/2026 Legal Year in Abuja with regional leaders, jurists, and dignitaries reaffirming their commitment to justice, human rights, and regional integration across West Africa.
The event, themed “The ECOWAS Court and International Law: Expanding Access and Navigating Contemporary Challenges,” attracted presidents, ministers, parliamentarians, and legal experts from across the sub-region.
Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef O. Fagbemi, SAN, described the Court as a “vital institution in the development of international law within West Africa,” commending its adoption of virtual hearings and electronic filing systems.
He urged the harmonization of member states’ legal systems, introduction of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and the creation of an appellate mechanism to ensure fairness and transparency in the Court’s proceedings.
Fagbemi stressed that while finality in judgments is important, justice must also be “seen to be fair and revisable.”
He assured that Nigeria, as host country, remains committed to supporting reforms that strengthen the Court’s operations and align national laws with regional obligations.
The President of the ECOWAS Court highlighted key achievements in the past year, including 34 new cases, 79 sessions, and 54 judgments.
He praised the Court’s digital transformation but warned that persistent non-enforcement of judgments threatens its credibility and citizens’ trust, urging Member States to ensure compliance.
Guest of Honour, President José Maria Pereira Neves of Cape Verde, hailed the ECOWAS Court as a “civilizational triumph” and called on Africa to assert itself as a global actor.
He described the Court’s provision for direct citizen access as one of the continent’s greatest institutional achievements, bridging the gap between people and justice.
ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, pledged increased financial and institutional support to safeguard the Court’s independence and ensure Member States comply with its rulings.
He reaffirmed ongoing collaboration with the Council of Ministers to enhance the Court’s capacity.
Nigeria’s Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Kudirat M. O. Kekere-Ekun, commended the Court’s growing human rights jurisprudence and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to hosting and supporting the institution.
Former ECOWAS Court Vice President, Prof. F. C. Nwoke, in his lecture, traced the Court’s evolution into a respected human rights tribunal and emphasized that ECOWAS rules take precedence over conflicting national laws.
The 2025/2026 Legal Year will focus on expanding digital access, deepening collaboration with national courts and civil society, and strengthening enforcement of judgments—positioning the ECOWAS Court as a beacon of justice, democracy, and integration in West Africa.
Reporting by WAHAB Akinlade