Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to strengthening cooperation with the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, pledging to work collaboratively to enhance enforcement of its judgments across member states.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, gave the assurance on Tuesday while receiving the President of the court, Ricardo Gonçalves, during a high-level meeting focused on compliance with the court’s decisions within member countries.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the minister underscored Nigeria’s resolve to deepen engagement with the regional judicial body and promote awareness of its institutions.
“Nigeria is making efforts to enhance public awareness of ECOWAS institutions, including initiatives aimed at introducing ECOWAS Clubs in educational institutions, to promote people’s understanding of the community’s structures and objectives.
“This will improve communication and coordination between the court, national governments, and domestic judicial systems.
Also, harmonised enforcement mechanisms will contribute significantly to consistency and effectiveness in the execution of judgments across member states.
“Nigeria remains committed to constructive engagement and to working collaboratively toward practical solutions that will uphold the integrity of the court and advance regional integration,” the minister stated.
She noted that the engagement was timely, coming as the regional bloc marks its 50th anniversary.
The minister praised the court for setting the pace among sub-regional judicial bodies on the continent.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu described data presented by the court’s president on the enforcement of judgments across member states as an issue that demands urgent consideration.
She assured the delegation that the concerns raised would be forwarded to appropriate national authorities, especially the Federal Ministry of Justice, for review and necessary action.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s broader commitments, she said the country would continue to uphold the principles of regional integration, rule of law, and effective multilateral cooperation within the ECOWAS framework.
In his remarks, Gonçalves reaffirmed the court’s willingness to collaborate with Nigeria in addressing challenges related to the enforcement of its rulings. He disclosed that the court has recorded 128 cases involving Nigeria, with 66 concluded, 10 judgments enforced, and 52 still pending execution.
The court’s president expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s longstanding support for the regional bloc and its judicial arm. He explained that his visit formed part of activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS and ongoing consultations with member states over persistent non-enforcement of judgments.
Gonçalves warned that failure to implement court decisions undermines the credibility of the institution and weakens the broader goal of sub-regional judicial integration. He emphasised Nigeria’s strategic position as a founding member and key pillar of the regional community, noting that its leadership in ensuring compliance would significantly influence the integrity of the regional judicial system.
“There is a need for closer collaboration between the court and national authorities to develop improved mechanisms for the enforcement and to strengthen the rule of law within the community. The court is ready to work constructively with Nigeria in identifying practical solutions to address the challenges associated with the implementation of judgments,” he said.
