The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice kicked off a historic external session in Lagos on Thursday, reaffirming its core mandate to uphold human rights, justice, and regional integration across West Africa.
The week-long session, held under Article 26 of the Court’s Protocol, marks a significant step in bringing regional justice closer to the people.
For the next several days, the Court will hear more than 35 cases involving 12 ECOWAS member states, addressing matters ranging from human rights violations to administrative disputes and governance issues.
The opening ceremony attracted top judicial and political dignitaries from across the region, underscoring the Court’s growing relevance and influence.
Delivering the keynote address, the President of the ECOWAS Court, Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, expressed deep appreciation to the Lagos State Government for hosting the session.
“This external session is a crucial part of our mission.
“It brings justice closer to the grassroots, fosters legal understanding among citizens, and strengthens collaboration between the Court and national judiciaries,” he said.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a welcome address, hailed the Court’s efforts to demystify the legal process, making it more accessible to the ordinary citizen.
“The ECOWAS Court’s external sessions do more than adjudicate; they educate. “They remind us that human rights are universal and enforceable,” he said.
Justice Kudirat M.O. Kekere-Ekun, Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairperson of the ECOWAS Judicial Council, praised the initiative as a powerful symbol of accessibility and transparency.
She outlined four key objectives: widening access to justice, enhancing judicial cooperation, boosting public legal awareness, and rebuilding institutional trust.
Crucially, she called on member states to ensure the full enforcement of the Court’s judgments.
“The credibility of any judicial system rests not merely in the quality of its decisions but particularly in their faithful enforcement.
“Without enforcement, our treaties become mere words and our protocols idle promises,” she noted.
Justice Kazeem Alogba, Chief Judge of Lagos State, also pledged unwavering support for the Court’s mission, stating that Lagos would remain a partner in addressing enforcement challenges and deepening regional legal integration.
“As a pacesetter judiciary, we shall continue to support the search to uncover an effective and amiable solution,” he said.
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