ECOWAS COURT PRESIDENT PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO THE GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE AHEAD OF COURT ACTIVITIES

ECOWAS Court President, Hon. Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu on Friday 2^nd May 2025 as part of preparations for its External Court session and public sensitization campaign in Lagos.

The visit aimed to express appreciation to the Lagos State Government for hosting the Court’s activities and to seek continued cooperation in promoting access to justice and respect for the rule of law within the region. The President who was accompanied by his Vice president, Honorable justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma, the Chief Registrar of the Court, Dr. Yaouza Ouro-Sama and other senior officers of the Court reiterated the objective of the mission, which is to raise public awareness about the Court’s mandate, its role in regional integration, and how citizens can access its services. He also called for stronger collaboration in the enforcement of the Court’s decisions, which remains one of its key institutional challenges.

Governor Sanwo-Olu welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to the principles of justice and the rule of law. He acknowledged the importance of the Court’s work in addressing cross-border issues and expressed readiness to support its efforts during the programme. The Governor assured the delegation of the State’s participation in the upcoming opening ceremony and related activities.

Following the visit to the Governor, the delegation met with the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN. He commended the Court for its preparations, including the transformation of a designated facility into a courtroom for the session, and confirmed his participation in the official opening event.

The ECOWAS Court’s outreach in Lagos underscores its ongoing commitment to bringing justice closer to the people of the region and strengthening ties with national institutions.