ECOWAS COURT TAKES JUSTICE TO THE PEOPLE WITH SENSITISATION OUTREACH IN LAGOS
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has officially launched its 2025 Sensitisation Outreach and External Court Sessions in Lagos, reaffirming its commitment to making justice more accessible to citizens across West Africa.
Speaking at the opening ceremony held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, President of the Court, Hon. Justice Ricardo Claudio Monteiro Gonçalves, delivered a passionate keynote address calling for a justice system that resonates beyond courtrooms and reaches the grassroots.
“Justice hidden is justice denied,” Justice Gonçalves said. “We must no longer allow justice to remain the language of the privileged. It must be a birthright for every citizen, from remote villages to urban centers.”
The sensitisation programme a multi-day initiative is aimed at increasing public awareness of the ECOWAS Court’s role, deepening understanding of regional law, and engaging stakeholders including legal professionals, students, civil society, and everyday citizens. The outreach precedes the Court’s External Session scheduled from May 8 to 16.
Justice Gonçalves also unveiled major reforms undertaken by the Court, including electronic filing systems, virtual hearings, and online access to judgments. These innovations, he noted, are designed to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks and bring justice closer to underserved populations.
Addressing broader judicial reforms, he urged law faculties to incorporate ECOWAS law into their curricula, encouraged lawyers to embrace pro bono services, and called on governments to support the Court by ratifying treaties and enforcing its decisions.
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat M.O. Kekere-Ekun, who chaired the ceremony, described the ECOWAS Court as an essential partner in strengthening the rule of law across the region. She emphasized that the Court does not compete with national judiciaries but complements them in tackling cross-border issues such as corruption, terrorism, and human rights violations.
“No national judiciary can tackle these challenges alone,” she said. “The ECOWAS Court offers a unified platform for regional justice and legal coherence.”
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, welcomed the ECOWAS delegation and lauded the decision to host the sensitisation event in Lagos — which he described as the economic and cultural hub of West Africa. He expressed support for the Court’s vision of enhancing justice delivery and regional integration.
“This event affirms our collective dedication to strengthening legal institutions and ensuring that justice is not just a principle, but a reality for all,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said.
The sensitisation activities continue throughout the week and will include public engagement sessions, legal education events, and court sittings open to the public. Dignitaries in attendance included top-ranking judges, legal scholars, diplomats, and youth representatives.
As West Africa faces mounting challenges ranging from human rights protection to regional economic harmonization, the outreach serves as a vital step in demystifying the ECOWAS Court and connecting it with the people it serves.
Justice Gonçalves concluded with a rallying call: “May this be a new dawn where every profession, institution, and citizen walks hand in hand in the light of justice.”
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