The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice on Thursday opened an external session in Lagos, reaffirming its dedication to justice, human rights, and regional integration across West Africa.
The event, which attracted dignitaries and stakeholders from across the region, marked an important step in bringing the Court’s work closer to the people it serves.
The President of the Court, Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves in his opening remarks expressed deep appreciation to the Lagos State government and its people for their warm welcome and continued support.
“This external session is more than symbolic,” said Justice Gonçalves. “It’s about making justice more accessible to the people, building public understanding of the law, and deepening collaboration between our Court and national judicial systems.”
The session, held under Article 26 of the Court’s Protocol, allows the Court to temporarily operate outside its headquarters in Abuja. Over the next week, the Court will hear over 35 cases involving 12 member countries, covering issues like human rights, administrative disputes, and governance challenges.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, hailed the initiative, saying the Court’s presence in Lagos highlights the importance of justice being both seen and understood by the public.
“External sessions like this are not just about deciding cases,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said. “They also educate. They remind citizens that their rights matter, and that those rights can be upheld in a transparent, fair process.”
Echoing that sentiment, the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairperson of the ECOWAS Judicial Council, Justice Kudirat M.O. Kekere-Ekun, described the session as a reflection of the Court’s commitment to openness, accessibility, and unity across the region.
She identified four key goals behind the initiative: improving access to justice, fostering cooperation between courts, boosting public legal awareness, and building trust in regional institutions. However, she also stressed the need for member states to enforce the Court’s rulings effectively.
“Justice is only as strong as its enforcement,” she noted. “If decisions are not implemented, our treaties and protocols risk becoming empty declarations.”
The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, noted that there is need for stronger enforcement mechanisms and pledged the support of Lagos State in helping the Court achieve this.
“As a leading judiciary, Lagos remains committed to supporting efforts that make justice delivery more effective and harmonious,” he said.
As hearings begin, legal experts and the general public are expected to gain from the Court’s transparent proceedings, an effort aimed at encouraging civic participation, strengthening respect for regional law, and promoting human rights.
The session will however continue through the week.
