• ‘Dedication to rule of law critical to peaceful, thriving, inclusive West Africa’
The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, yesterday, launched its 2025 Sensitisation Outreach and External Court Sessions in Lagos with a resounding call to bring justice closer to the people of West Africa.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the President of the court, Justice Ricardo Claudio Monteiro Gonçalves, declared that justice must no longer be the “language of the privileged” or a “distant dream,” but a fundamental right accessible to every citizen.

The sensitisation outreach precedes the court’s external sessions scheduled to run from May 8-16 and aims to raise public awareness of the institution’s role, improve understanding of ECOWAS community law, and foster deeper engagement with legal professionals, students, and the wider public.

Gonçalves emphasised that the initiative is designed to demystify the court’s work and connect communities across the region to the judicial process, ensuring that the principles of justice, equality, and the rule of law are more than just lofty ideals.

Highlighting recent reforms, Justice Gonçalves announced significant strides in modernising the court’s operations. These include the introduction of electronic filing systems, virtual hearings, and online access to judgments – all aimed at reducing barriers to justice and enhancing transparency.

He encouraged law schools across the region to integrate ECOWAS legal studies into their curricula.

Gonçalves further challenged governments to ratify and implement key human rights treaties and enforce ECOWAS Court’s judgments in a timely and effective manner.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who chaired the event, affirmed the court’s vital role in strengthening the rule of law across West Africa.

She noted that the ECOWAS Court complements rather than competes with national judiciaries, particularly in addressing complex transnational challenges such as terrorism, corruption, and human rights abuses.

“No single national judiciary can effectively respond to these issues alone,” she said.

IN his welcome remarks, Babajide Sanwo-Olu said dedication to the rule of law is critical to building a peaceful, thriving and inclusive West African community where everyone’s rights are safeguarded and opportunities abound.

The governor said: “The presence of the ECOWAS Court in Lagos not only highlights the city’s crucial role in regional matters, but also serves as a strong reminder that justice should be accessible, visible, and responsive to the needs of our people.

“Through outreach initiatives and external court sessions, we are bringing the mechanisms of regional justice closer to our citizens, improving public understanding of the court’s mission, and strengthening the connections between our national institutions and the ECOWAS Court.

“On behalf of the government and the people of Lagos State, I extend our unwavering support and commitment to this programme. We take great pride in standing alongside the ECOWAS Court as it works tirelessly to uphold the rule of law, safeguard human rights, and resolve disputes that cross borders.”

Sanwo-Olu encouraged judges, legal professionals, civil society members, and the public, to participate openly with a collective sense of purpose.

He added: “Let us use this forum to promote justice, enhance our regional ties, and tap into the incredible potential of our West African community.

“Let us renew our commitment to safeguarding human rights, bolstering legal systems, and ensuring that everyone, especially the most vulnerable, has access to justice. By encouraging collaboration and leveraging innovative partnerships like those between the ECOWAS Court and organisations such as the UNHCR, we can tackle the urgent challenges our region faces and make sure that the ideals of equity, peace, and prosperity are a reality for every citizen.”