ECOWAS COURT OF JUSTICE CONCLUDES EXTERNAL COURT SESSION IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

Lagos, Nigeria – 16 May 2025: The Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS, today concluded its External Court Session in Lagos with a formal closing ceremony presided over by the Hon. President of the Court, Justice Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves. The ceremony marked the successful completion of two key activities under the Court’s 2025 Work Programme: the Sensitization Outreach held from 5 to 7 May 2025, and the External Court Session held from 8 to 16 May 2025.

The closing ceremony was graced by several distinguished guests, including the Vice President of the ECOWAS Court, Hon. Judges of the Court, Judges and senior staff of the Lagos State Judiciary, the Chief Registrar and Deputy Chief Registrar of both the ECOWAS Court and Lagos State Judiciary, as well as legal practitioners, members of the media, and representatives of civil society.

In his remarks, the President of the Court expressed profound gratitude to the Almighty God for the successful completion of the Court’s mission to Lagos and highlighted the significance of the External Court Sessions in bringing justice closer to the people of the region. He underscored the Court’s commitment to enhancing access to justice, especially for indigent citizens who are unable to travel to the Court’s headquarters in Abuja.

“These sessions not only strengthen judicial dialogue between the Community Court and national courts but also introduce citizens and lawyers to the workings of a regional human rights court,” the President stated. He referenced Article 26(2) of the 1991 Protocol on the Court, which authorizes the Court to sit in other Member States when circumstances demand.

The President reaffirmed the Court’s unwavering dedication to its judicial mandate and highlighted the successful integration of digital tools such as the Electronic Case Management System and Virtual Court Sessions, which are enhancing outreach and efficiency in the delivery of justice.

A total of 52 cases were handled during the Lagos session, with 37 cases heard, 2 rulings delivered, and 13 judgments delivered. The President commended the Judges of the Court for their tireless work despite a reduced bench, noting that the number of pending cases was brought down from 97 to 82.

Special tributes were paid to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON, for her presence and support, and to the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba, for generously providing state-of-the-art facilities and committed judicial personnel.

Justice Gonçalves also lauded the collaborative efforts of the organizing teams from the ECOWAS Court and the Lagos State Judiciary. “Your dedication has made this External Session a resounding success,” he said. In closing, the President wished all participants safe travels back to their destinations and formally declared the 2025 External Court Session in Lagos closed.