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ECOWAS Court Raises Alarm Over Gender Violence, Low Compliance With Judgments

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ECOWAS Court Raises Alarm Over Gender Violence, Low Compliance With Judgments

By: Michael Mike

The President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Claudio Monteiro Gonçalves, has called for stronger regional action to combat gender-based violence and ensure justice for women and girls across West Africa, warning that many victims still suffer in silence.

Gonçalves, who was represented by the Acting Deputy Registrar of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Mrs. Marie Sanie, made the call in Abuja during the court’s celebration of International Women’s Day, organised by the CCJ Women Forum under the theme “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls,” with a sub-theme urging stakeholders to “Break the Silence: End Gender-Based Violence Now.”

He said the protection of women’s rights remains central to the court’s mandate of advancing the rule of law and safeguarding fundamental human rights across the Economic Community of West African States.

According to him, the court has, through its judgments, played a significant role in challenging discrimination, addressing sexual and gender-based violence and providing remedies for victims across the region.

“These groundbreaking decisions have not only delivered justice to individuals but have also set important legal precedents that reinforce the dignity and protection of women and girls throughout the region,” he said.

Among the landmark rulings highlighted by the court president was the 2008 case of Hadijatou Mani Koraou v Republic of Niger, which addressed slavery practices in Niger, and the 2017 case of Dorothy Chioma Njemanze & 3 Ors v Federal Republic of Nigeria that condemned discrimination and degrading treatment against women.

Other notable cases cited include WARDC & IHRDA (Mary Sunday) v Federal Republic of Nigeria on domestic violence, WAVES & 1 Or v Republic of Sierra Leone on discrimination based on pregnancy, Adama Vandi v Republic of Sierra Leone on rape and the failure to provide effective remedy for victims, and Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP) & 2 Ors v Republic of Sierra Leone concerning female genital mutilation.

Gonçalves stressed that gender-based violence remains a major obstacle to equality, justice and sustainable development across the region.

“Too often, survivors suffer in silence due to stigma, fear or lack of support to seek justice. Today we affirm that silence must end and justice must be translated into action,” he said.

The court president also expressed concern over the low level of compliance with the court’s rulings by member states, revealing that only about 20 per cent of its judgments have been fully implemented.

He warned that the low enforcement rate could undermine the authority and credibility of the regional court if not addressed urgently.

To tackle the challenge, he said the court recently carried out bilateral engagement missions to several member states, including Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Guinea-Conakry, as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States.

The missions, he explained, were aimed at encouraging governments to implement the court’s decisions and fulfil their treaty obligations.

Gonçalves also noted that the court regularly conducts awareness and outreach missions across member states to educate citizens on how to access the court and seek redress for human rights violations.

He emphasised that justice would only be fully realised when citizens are aware of their rights and governments ensure that court judgments are respected and implemented.

While celebrating the achievements of women working within the ECOWAS Court, he acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in ensuring greater representation of women in leadership positions and creating supportive work environments that promote work-life balance.

Despite the challenges, he reaffirmed the court’s commitment to strengthening legal protections for women and girls in the region.

“As we celebrate the achievements of women today, we reaffirm our commitment to delivering justice, advancing the rule of law and building a region where every woman and girl can live in safety and dignity,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Patron of the ECJ Women Forum, Justice Dupe Atoki, has called for stronger commitment to protecting the rights of women and girls, stressing that legal protections must go beyond promises to ensure real justice and equality.

Atoki made the call during the celebration of International Women’s Day at the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja, where officials, diplomats and legal practitioners gathered to discuss the role of justice systems in safeguarding women’s rights across West Africa.

Speaking on the global theme for this year’s commemoration, the judge said the theme serves as both a reminder and a call to responsibility for governments, institutions and society at large.

She emphasised that the rights of women and girls should never be treated as privileges granted at convenience but as fundamental human rights that must be respected, protected and fulfilled.

According to her, although progress has been made globally in advancing gender equality, many women and girls still face barriers that limit their opportunities, silence their voices and restrict their participation in social, political and economic life.

“The emphasis on rights reminds us that the rights of women and girls are not privileges to be granted at convenience, but fundamental human rights that must be respected, protected and fulfilled,” she said.

Atoki noted that justice systems have a critical responsibility in addressing discrimination, violence and exclusion against women, adding that courts and legal institutions must remain accessible, impartial and responsive to the realities women face.

She said effective justice mechanisms are essential in ensuring that laws protecting women are properly enforced and that perpetrators of abuse are held accountable.

“The call for justice highlights the vital role of laws, institutions and courts in safeguarding equality and dignity. Justice must be accessible, impartial and responsive to the realities faced by women and girls,” she stated.

Atoki also stressed that achieving gender equality requires more than commitments and declarations, noting that deliberate action is necessary to dismantle structural barriers that hinder the progress of women and girls.

According to her, governments and institutions must translate policy commitments into practical measures that create safe and supportive environments for women to thrive.

“The call for action reminds us that commitments alone are not enough. Real progress requires deliberate steps through policies, institutions and collective effort to dismantle structural barriers and create environments where women and girls can thrive,” she said.

She urged stakeholders across the region to renew their commitment to advancing women’s rights, strengthening access to justice and ensuring that gender equality becomes a lived reality rather than a distant aspiration.

Atoki concluded by calling on governments, civil society organisations and legal institutions to work together to ensure that the promise of rights, justice and action is realised for all women and girls across the West African region.

ECOWAS Court Raises Alarm Over Gender Violence, Low Compliance With Judgments

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FG Targets Cross-Border Mobile Connectivity to Boost Security, Cut Internet Costs

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March 31, 2026

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FG Targets Cross-Border Mobile Connectivity to Boost Security, Cut Internet Costs

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to expand Nigeria’s mobile and digital connectivity beyond its borders as part of a broader strategy to strengthen national security and lower the cost of internet services across the region.

The initiative was disclosed on Monday during the second edition of the Nigerian Satellite Week 2026 held in Abuja and organised by Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said the Federal Government plans to extend Nigeria’s fibre-optic network into neighbouring countries as part of efforts to modernise digital infrastructure and tackle security challenges.

According to him, the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu is investing in about ninety thousand kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure that will connect Nigeria with neighbouring countries including Cameroon, Niger, Burkina Faso and Chad.

Tijani explained that the regional connectivity project would help reduce the cost of internet capacity in neighbouring countries, where the price of connectivity is significantly higher than in Nigeria.

He noted that while the project would improve digital access and affordability, it would also support national security operations along the country’s borders.

“This fibre network will also provide opportunities for the military because it will run across our borders, which means we will have stronger capabilities for fibre sensing and surveillance,” the minister said.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s strategic advantage as the only country in West Africa operating its own communications satellite through Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, noting that the platform plays a critical role in providing connectivity to remote and underserved communities.

According to Tijani, satellite infrastructure supports sectors such as agriculture, education, business and security, especially in areas where terrestrial networks are limited.

He commended President Tinubu for approving the acquisition of additional satellites, describing the move as a strong demonstration of the government’s commitment to building future-ready digital infrastructure.

The minister added that investments in infrastructure must be accompanied by practical applications capable of driving real development outcomes.

“Satellite technology is a powerful enabler, particularly in the area of security,” he said.

In her welcome remarks, the Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, said the event reflects Nigeria’s growing commitment to harnessing space technology for national development.

She highlighted initiatives such as Project 774, which aims to provide satellite-enabled connectivity to all local government areas in Nigeria, ensuring that rural and underserved communities are not left behind in the country’s digital transformation.

Egerton-Idehen also noted that the agency is strengthening its global partnerships, including collaborations with Eutelsat and the Kenya Space Agency, while Nigeria currently serves as Vice Chair of the Global Satellite Operators Association.

She explained that the role allows Nigeria to participate actively in shaping international satellite policy and spectrum management discussions.

Also speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, emphasised the importance of satellite technology in strengthening communication systems and supporting critical services.

According to him, satellite infrastructure has become vital for communication, emergency response, education, security and broader technological advancement.

The Nigerian Satellite Week 2026 brings together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and innovators to explore opportunities within the satellite and digital infrastructure ecosystem.

Participants say the event provides a platform for collaboration aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leading force in Africa’s rapidly expanding digital and satellite economy.

FG Targets Cross-Border Mobile Connectivity to Boost Security, Cut Internet Costs

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VP Shettima Visits El-Rufai, Consoles Ex-Kaduna Gov Over Mother’s Demise

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March 31, 2026

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VP Shettima Visits El-Rufai, Consoles Ex-Kaduna Gov Over Mother’s Demise

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has commiserated with former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, over the death of his mother, late Hajiya Fatima Umma.

The Vice President who paid the El-Rufai family at their Abuja residence called for collective effort in uniting the nation aside political differences.

Senator Shettima prayed for the repose of the soul of the late matriarch of the El-Rufai family.

The late Hajiya Fatima Umma El-Rufai passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026 in Cairo, Egypt, at the age of 96.

The Vice President was received by former Governor of Bauchi State, Ahmad Adamu Muazu; former Chief of Army Staff, General Abdurrahman Dambazau; Abdullahi Sarkin Gobir Adiya, and the member Representing Kaduna North, Bello El-Rufai, Bashir El-Rufai.

VP Shettima Visits El-Rufai, Consoles Ex-Kaduna Gov Over Mother’s Demise

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Stakeholders Push for Scaled-Up Energy Efficiency in Nigeria’s Industrial Sector

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3 hours ago

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March 31, 2026

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Stakeholders Push for Scaled-Up Energy Efficiency in Nigeria’s Industrial Sector

By: Michael Mike

Stakeholders from government, the organised private sector, development agencies, and civil society have called for stronger collaboration and expanded financing to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient and cleaner production practices in Nigeria’s industrial sector.

The call was made on Monday during a special project-specific interactive session and Efficiency Champions Competition organised under the Global Environment Facility and United Nations Industrial Development Organization Industrial Energy Efficiency and Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production project in Abuja.

The event brought together representatives of industries, non-governmental organisations, financial institutions, policy makers, and members of the media to review the progress of the initiative and explore opportunities for expanding sustainable industrial practices across the country.

Speakers at the session emphasised that improving energy efficiency and reducing waste in industrial operations are essential for lowering production costs, boosting competitiveness and promoting environmentally responsible manufacturing.

Opening the session, the project leadership said the initiative had recorded significant progress in promoting industrial energy efficiency and resource-efficient production methods within Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.

According to the National Project Coordinator, GEF-UNIDO IEE and RECP Project, Jacob Oladipo revealed that the project has supported capacity building programmes, cleaner production assessments, policy engagement and innovative financing mechanisms designed to help industries reduce energy consumption while improving productivity.

He explained that the project had demonstrated that sustainable industrial practices are not only environmentally responsible but also economically beneficial to businesses.

The session also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to review the outcomes of the project and identify lessons that could support the wider adoption of energy-efficient technologies and cleaner production systems across industries.

In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Mr. Kunle Fadare said the initiative was both timely and strategic for Nigeria’s industrial growth.

He noted that the industrial sector accounts for more than thirty per cent of the country’s total energy consumption but still operates far below optimal efficiency levels.

Fadare said studies have shown that improvements in energy efficiency within Nigerian industries could lead to savings of between twenty and forty per cent in energy use.

He added that such gains would translate into reduced production costs, improved competitiveness and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

He also highlighted the environmental implications of industrial waste, noting that Nigeria generates more than thirty-two million tonnes of solid waste annually, a significant portion of which originates from industrial activities.

According to him, adopting resource-efficient and cleaner production practices would not only reduce waste but also strengthen long-term business sustainability.

Fadare further praised the Efficiency Champions Competition, describing it as an important platform for recognising businesses that are taking concrete steps toward sustainable production.

He said the initiative would help showcase best practices and encourage other companies to adopt energy-efficient technologies.

Global trends, he added, show that markets increasingly favour environmentally responsible production systems, particularly as access to international markets becomes tied to sustainability and environmental compliance.

He therefore urged Nigerian businesses to proactively embrace energy efficiency and cleaner production practices to remain competitive in regional and global markets.

Also speaking, the Global Environment Facility desk officer commended the collaboration among stakeholders involved in implementing the project.

The official expressed appreciation to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization for providing technical guidance and to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria for supporting the implementation of the initiative.

The desk officer also acknowledged the role played by various government ministries, departments and agencies, as well as the Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, in advancing the project’s objectives.

According to the official, the interactive session was designed to allow stakeholders to examine emerging issues related to energy use in industries, share experiences, address challenges and identify opportunities for improvement.

The official stressed that sustainable economic growth requires strong collaboration among government, industry, development partners and civil society.

Participants were therefore encouraged to actively contribute ideas and insights that could help strengthen the implementation of energy-efficient industrial practices in Nigeria.

Representatives of the organised private sector also highlighted the need to scale up financing mechanisms that support industries seeking to adopt energy-efficient technologies.

They noted that while progress had been made through innovative financing models and technical support programmes, wider adoption would require increased investment, stronger policy support and continued capacity building for industries, particularly small and medium enterprises.

Stakeholders agreed that the engagement of the organised private sector, non-governmental organisations and the media would be critical in sustaining the momentum generated by the project.

They emphasised that awareness creation, knowledge sharing and policy advocacy would play key roles in expanding the adoption of energy-efficient and cleaner production practices across Nigeria’s industrial landscape.

Participants expressed optimism that stronger collaboration among stakeholders would help accelerate the transition toward a more efficient, competitive and environmentally sustainable industrial sector in Nigeria.

Stakeholders Push for Scaled-Up Energy Efficiency in Nigeria’s Industrial Sector

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