The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has commenced a landmark external sitting in Lagos State, underscoring its dedication to enhancing justice delivery, advancing regional integration, and safeguarding human rights across West Africa.
The opening ceremony, attended by dignitaries from across the region, highlighted the increasing prominence and influence of the court. In his keynote address, the President of the ECOWAS Court, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, expressed deep appreciation to the government and people of Lagos for their hospitality and steadfast support.
“This external session is central to our mission. It brings justice closer to the people, promotes legal literacy, and fosters stronger ties between the ECOWAS Court and national judiciaries,” Gonçalves said.
Convened under Article 26 of the Court’s Protocol, the external session allows the court to hold proceedings outside its Abuja headquarters. Over the course of the week, the court will hear more than 35 cases from 12 member states, addressing issues ranging from human rights violations to administrative disputes and regional governance matters.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, represented by the State Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro (SAN), welcomed the court to Lagos and commended its role in making justice more accessible to ordinary citizens.
Also speaking at the event, Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairperson of the ECOWAS Judicial Council, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, described the session as “a testament to the court’s dynamic commitment to accessibility, transparency, and regional solidarity in the service of justice.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized four core goals of the initiative: expanding access to justice, enhancing judicial cooperation, increasing public awareness, and strengthening institutional trust. She also stressed the critical need for effective enforcement of ECOWAS Court rulings, calling on member states to transition from commitments to concrete actions.
The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, echoed the importance of synergy between national and regional courts and reaffirmed the state’s continued support for the ECOWAS Court, particularly in addressing challenges related to enforcement of its judgments.
