ECOWAS Court Meets Nigerian Authorities Over Judgment Enforcement
By: Marion Precious George
The Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS on Monday opened a three-day bilateral meeting with Nigerian authorities aimed at addressing persistent challenges in the enforcement of its judgments within Nigeria.
The talks, holding from February 16 to 18 at the Court’s headquarters in Abuja, bring together officials of Nigeria’s Competent National Authority (CNA), government representatives and other stakeholders. The engagement forms part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States and is the second in a series of consultations planned for three Member States, following a similar session recently held in Sierra Leone. A related meeting is scheduled for Guinea at a later date.
Leading the Court’s delegation is its President, Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, accompanied by Vice President Sengu Mohamed Koroma, other judges, directors and staff.
According to the Court, the discussions are focused on identifying systemic obstacles that hinder the effective enforcement of its rulings and developing practical strategies to improve compliance. The meeting is also expected to explore the establishment of a stronger framework for collaboration between the regional court and Nigerian authorities.
The programme includes presentations on the Court’s enforcement mechanisms, a special forum reviewing the status of enforcement of its judgments in Nigeria, and sessions examining the government’s perspective on compliance. A bilateral engagement with civil society organisations is also scheduled.
Ahead of the formal sessions, the Court’s delegation is conducting courtesy visits to senior Nigerian officials, including the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Finance, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria. Meetings are also planned with the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission and the President of the Nigerian Bar Association.
Established under Articles 6 and 15 of the Revised Treaty of ECOWAS, with its Protocol adopted in 1991, the Court began operations in 2001. It serves as a community court interpreting and applying ECOWAS legal instruments, an administrative tribunal for ECOWAS institutions, an arbitration tribunal, and a human rights court.
