To deepen public engagement and promote regional integration, the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has said 35 cases involving 12 member states are to be heard during the External Court Sessions.

The court disclosed that it had concluded plans to hold two weeks of sensitisation outreach and external court sessions in Lagos State.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Minister of Foreign Affairs, President of the ECOWAS Commission, and Nigeria’s Attorney General will attend the opening ceremonies scheduled for May 5.

The newly elected President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves, described the outreach as a ‘significant milestone” that would enhance collaboration among member states and promote greater understanding of the court’s role in protecting human rights and upholding the rule of law.

He said invitations have been extended to civil society organisations, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), human rights groups and the public to attend the events, adding that the court session will be held between May 5 and 16.

Gonçalves explained that the initiative aligns with Article 26(2) of the 1991 Protocol that established the ECOWAS Court and is aimed at bringing the institution closer to citizens of the West African region.

He highlighted the programme to include a special forum for legal professionals and students, an open town hall meeting, media engagements, a press conference, and judicial dialogue with members of the Lagos State judiciary.

Gonçalves urged broad participation to foster deeper knowledge of the court’s processes and improve access to justice for citizens, particularly at the grassroots level.

The sessions mark a key step in enhancing the visibility of the court and reinforcing its commitment to regional justice and accountability.