CJN PLEDGES STRONGER SYNERGY BETWEEN NIGERIAN JUDICIARY AND ECOWAS COURT
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Justice Kekere-Ekun calls for deeper collaboration, structured case referrals, and implementation of rulings
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and Chairperson of the ECOWAS Judicial Council, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening ties between national judiciaries and the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice.
Justice Kekere-Ekun made this known while delivering a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the ECOWAS Court’s External Session in Abuja. She advocated for more structured engagement, including the referral of community law cases from national courts, joint judicial training, and full enforcement of ECOWAS Court decisions by Member States.
“The ECOWAS Court is uniquely positioned to adjudicate cases that transcend borders, challenge sovereigns, and demand accountability at the highest level,” she said. “Its mandate to interpret community law, protect human rights, and foster regional cohesion is both bold and essential.”
She emphasized that the rule of law should not be seen as a symbolic principle but as the foundational bedrock of peace, stability, and sustainable development across West Africa.
President of the ECOWAS Court, Justice Ricardo Claudio Monteiro Goncalves, in his remarks, noted that the credibility of the Court hinges on the cooperation of all Member States. He revealed that out of the 12 ECOWAS Member States, only two are yet to comply with Article 24 of the Court’s Protocol, which requires countries to designate competent national authorities to execute court judgments.
“We regret that many rulings of the Court remain unenforced,” he said. “The Court cannot afford to be a toothless bulldog. Its effectiveness depends on Member States’ commitment to upholding and implementing its decisions.”
Justice Goncalves praised Nigeria for consistently submitting to the jurisdiction of the Court and urged the country to take a leadership role by ensuring full compliance with rulings.
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He reiterated that ECOWAS places high value on human rights and good governance, noting that the judiciary is a critical pillar in sustaining constitutional democracy both nationally and regionally.
“An independent judiciary remains central to the rule of law and the promotion of justice,” he added.
In his goodwill message, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, highlighted the importance of collaboration between national and regional judicial systems, stressing that such synergy is vital to preserving the dignity and effectiveness of the ECOWAS Court.
The External Court Session is part of ECOWAS’s ongoing efforts to bring justice closer to the people, boost public awareness, and reinforce institutional linkages between national and regional legal bodies.
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