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Fagbemi Seeks Major Reforms to Strengthen Enforcement of ECOWAS Court Judgments

Published

3 weeks ago

February 18, 2026

Fagbemi Seeks Major Reforms to Strengthen Enforcement of ECOWAS Court Judgments
…ECOWAS Court Tells Nigeria: Enforcement of Judgments Is a Legal Duty, Not a Political Choice

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef O. Fagbemi, has called for sweeping reforms to strengthen the enforcement of judgments delivered by the ECOWAS Court of Justice, warning that weak compliance mechanisms risk undermining regional justice and integration.

Speaking at a Special Forum marking the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Fagbemi said that while the Court has recorded significant milestones since becoming operational in 2001, its authority is being weakened by persistent enforcement challenges and structural gaps.

The Attorney-General acknowledged that the Court has delivered landmark judgments on human rights, governance and media freedom, earning credibility as a regional judicial body. However, he noted that the real test of any court lies not only in its pronouncements but in the willingness and capacity of member states to comply.

Fagbemi identified what he described as an “enforcement deficit” as one of the Court’s most pressing challenges, stressing that the Court lacks direct enforcement powers and depends largely on the goodwill of member states.

He also pointed to sovereignty concerns and political resistance, particularly in cases touching on sensitive constitutional or governance matters. According to him, some rulings have been criticised as stretching jurisdiction beyond the Court’s mandate or imposing obligations that are difficult to enforce domestically.

“These criticisms, whether justified or not, highlight the urgent need for clarity in the Court’s role and stronger institutional support,” he said.

The Attorney-General further observed that the absence of an appellate mechanism has contributed to perceptions of rigidity. Because judgments of the ECOWAS Court are final, he argued, states sometimes feel constrained by decisions they cannot challenge through a second-tier review process.

Drawing comparisons with other international judicial bodies, Fagbemi noted that courts such as the European Court of Human Rights and the Court of Justice of the European Union operate structured supervisory and review mechanisms that enhance acceptance of their rulings.

He said the ECOWAS Court’s lack of layered oversight and follow-up procedures makes its decisions more vulnerable to resistance, especially in politically sensitive cases or where substantial financial awards are involved.

Beyond judicial design, Fagbemi linked the Court’s challenges to what he described as broader institutional weaknesses within ECOWAS itself. Limited political authority, dependence on voluntary compliance by member states, and inconsistent enforcement across sectors such as trade and security, he said, have created a culture where non-compliance often carries minimal consequences.

“The weakness of ECOWAS as an institution directly translates into weakness of its judicial arm,” he stated, warning that if regional decisions are treated as advisory rather than binding, the rule of law at the supranational level will erode.

Despite the concerns, the Attorney-General said the bloc’s golden jubilee presents an opportunity to recalibrate and strengthen the regional justice architecture.

He proposed a series of reforms, including: Establishing a regional supervisory mechanism to monitor compliance with judgments and apply political pressure where necessary; Introducing an appellate or review process to enhance confidence in the Court’s decisions; Creating structured compliance hearings and mandatory follow-up reporting; Adopting clearer enforcement protocols; Exploring cooperation agreements similar to those used by other international courts.

Fagbemi emphasised that integration without justice is fragile, adding that the ECOWAS Court remains central to the region’s aspiration for accountability, cross-border justice and respect for human dignity.

“As we celebrate fifty years of ECOWAS, we must commit to a future where the rule of law is not merely an aspiration but a lived reality across West Africa,” he said.

On his part, the President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Hon. Justice Ricardo Gonçalves delivered a direct but diplomatically worded message to Nigeria: compliance with the Court’s judgments is not optional, but a binding legal obligation under Community law.

The President said judicial decisions lies “at the very heart of the credibility of our Community project.”

The address, delivered before Nigeria’s Attorney General, judges of the Court, representatives of the Nigerian Bar and senior government officials, underscored that the Court’s judgments are final, binding and immediately enforceable under the Revised ECOWAS Treaty and related protocols.

“Compliance with the Court’s decisions is not a political option — it is a legal obligation,” the President declared, stressing that the Court is not merely a judicial body but “a pillar of the regional rule of law.”

He noted that since the Court’s establishment, 128 cases have been instituted against the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Of that number, 66 cases have been closed; 10 have been executed; while 52 remain pending execution.

The figures, the President said, were not presented as censure but as an “objective basis for joint and profound reflection.”

He noted that: “If the Federal Republic of Nigeria leads by example, it will strengthen the authority of the Court and send a clear message of commitment to the regional rule of law.”

He acknowledged that non-compliance often stems not from outright refusal but from structural and institutional weaknesses.

Among the factors identified were: Absence of national coordination mechanisms to follow up on Court decisions; Budgetary and administrative constraints, particularly in cases involving financial compensation or structural reforms; Weak integration of Community decisions into domestic legal systems; Coordination gaps between executive, legislative and judicial branches; Political sensitivity of certain human rights and governance cases; Limited use of ECOWAS’ sanctions regime; Lack of a formal enforcement mandate for the Court itself; Delays in providing updates on implementation; Differences in legal systems across Member States.

He said: “These causes should not be viewed as accusations, but as institutional realities requiring structured responses and strengthened cooperation.”

He however warned that failure to enforce judgments, risks eroding the Court’s authority, weakening the Community legal system, diminishing citizens’ confidence in regional justice and harming West Africa’s international image at a time when the region seeks to project stability and institutional predictability.

He said: “Without enforcement, the decisions of the ECOWAS Court become merely declaratory,” the President said. “Declaratory justice without practical effect does not fulfil its transformative function.”

The warning comes amid renewed efforts by ECOWAS institutions to consolidate regional integration at a time of political transitions and governance challenges across parts of West Africa.

The Court also outlined steps already taken to improve compliance, including: Creation of a dedicated Enforcement Division within its Registry; Regular dialogue with designated national authorities; Setting deadlines for compliance within judgments; Follow-up requests to Member States on implementation status; Presentation of enforcement updates to the ECOWAS Council of Ministers and Conference of Heads of State and Government; Advocacy for ratification of all legal instruments relating to the Court.

The President however conceded that these measures “may not be sufficient” and called for deeper cooperation with Nigeria to identify additional solutions.

Fagbemi Seeks Major Reforms to Strengthen Enforcement of ECOWAS Court Judgments

News

International Women’s Day: Eight Actions for A More Equal World

Published

4 hours ago

March 10, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

International Women’s Day: Eight Actions for A More Equal World

By: Michael Mike

Over nearly a decade leading the United Nations, I have seen our world repeatedly tested – by climate shocks, deepening poverty, violent conflict and shrinking civic space.

But I have also watched many solutions take root, and they shared one common denominator: women.

As the world marks International Women’s Day, it is time to recognize that gender inequality is the greatest human rights challenge of our time – and advancing equality is one of the strongest drivers of sustainable development and peace.

Here are eight actions drawn from my own experience, and inspired by the work of the UN system and civil society movements across the globe, to advance women’s rights and deliver results.

Fix the Power Gap
Gender equality is a question of power. But male-dominated institutions still shape our world. A rising tide of authoritarianism is deepening these inequalities, rolling back hard-won protections – from fair work practices to reproductive rights – and entrenching racial and gender biases that hold women back. Gender equality lifts societies. When power is shared, freedom expands.
Make Parity a Priority
Women are grossly under-represented in governments and boardrooms across the globe. At the United Nations, we set out to make gender parity a priority, starting with senior leadership. We did this by widening the search for qualified candidates, not by lowering standards. The UN is stronger for it, with an enhanced workplace culture and more inclusive decision-making. The lesson is clear. When institutions choose equality, results follow.
Bet on the Highest-Return Investment
Investment in women delivers outsized returns. Every dollar spent on girls’ education yields nearly triple the gains, while maternal health and family planning generate more than eightfold benefits. Policies that support families such as child care and elder care strengthen communities and unlock even more growth. Taken together, such steps lay the foundation for closing gender gaps – which can boost national income by as much as 20%.
Make Room at the Peace Table
Peace agreements are more durable when women take part in negotiating and implementing them. Yet in too many conflicts – including Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan – women have been largely shut out of the room, even though they carry the heaviest burdens of war. At a time of rising instability, inclusion is not symbolic – it is a shortcut to stabilize our fractured world.
End Legal Discrimination
Worldwide, women hold only 64 per cent of the legal rights enjoyed by men. In too many places, they cannot own property, work freely, or seek a divorce. Even where protections exist, women face higher barriers to access legal aid or the courts. Every country must commit to dismantling discriminatory laws, and to enforcing rights in practice.
Zero Tolerance for Gender-Based Violence – and Zero Excuses
Violence against women is a global emergency, rooted in inequality and sustained by silence. Every woman and girl has the right to live free from fear. Yet gender-based violence – including sexual exploitation and abuse – remains a horrific breach of trust and humanity. We must confront it everywhere, with zero tolerance, full accountability, and unwavering support for survivors.
Code Out Bias
With women comprising just one in four tech workers, bias is being hardwired into the systems that shape daily lives. Meanwhile, misogyny is exploding online. Technology companies and governments must act together to build safe, inclusive digital spaces – and the world must do more to remove barriers for girls in science and technology.
Put Gender in the Climate Plan
Climate change is sexist. Women often eat last in food crises and endure greater danger in emergencies. Girls face higher risks of child marriage when livelihoods collapse. But women are also leading climate solutions – advancing green legislation, powering global movements, and driving change on the ground. A liveable planet demands gender-responsive climate policies, including equal access to green jobs, better protection in emergencies, and full participation in environmental decision-making.

Across the globe, I have seen these eight solutions in action – in war zones and recovery efforts, parliaments and classrooms, organizations and communities.

If leaders get serious about gender equality and commit to them now, we will change the world – for women and girls, and for us all.

International Women’s Day: Eight Actions for A More Equal World

News

Israel Accuses Iran of Terror Links, Cites Activities in Nigeria

Published

11 hours ago

March 10, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Israel Accuses Iran of Terror Links, Cites Activities in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The Embassy of Israel in Nigeria has accused Iran of sponsoring terrorism across the globe and backing militant networks, including alleged links to activities in Nigeria.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the Israeli mission challenged recent remarks by Iran’s envoy to Nigeria denying Tehran’s involvement in terrorism, insisting that evidence accumulated over the years contradicts such claims.

The embassy said Iran has long been identified by several governments and security agencies as a major state sponsor of terrorism, accusing the country of providing funding, weapons, training and strategic guidance to militant groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthi movement.

According to the statement issued on Monday, these groups have carried out attacks against civilians and contributed to instability in several parts of the world, particularly in the Middle East.

The embassy further alleged that Iranian-backed operatives and networks have been linked to attacks and plots in different countries, including Argentina, Bulgaria, Australia and the United Kingdom.

Highlighting developments in the Middle East, the mission said Iranian leaders publicly praised the October 7 attacks carried out by Hamas against Israeli civilians and encouraged further violence against Israel.

The embassy also pointed to past incidents in Nigeria which it said suggested Iranian-linked activities within the country.

It recalled that in 2010, Nigerian authorities intercepted a shipment of weapons originating from Iran at Apapa Port in Lagos, concealed in containers allegedly destined for militant groups in West Africa.

The statement also referenced a 2013 operation by Nigerian security agencies in which a Hezbollah-linked cell and weapons cache were uncovered, leading to arrests in Abuja and Kano. Authorities at the time said the weapons were intended for attacks against Israeli and Western interests in Nigeria.

Israel’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, said Iran’s repeated denials could not erase what he described as a documented history of support for militant organisations.

“The Iranian regime can make as many statements as they like and appear on as many television channels as they want. But facts speak louder than words. The reality is that Iran is the world’s largest sponsor of terrorism and has backed the Islamic Movement of Nigeria for years,” he said.

The embassy said it considered it necessary to challenge what it described as misinformation, stressing that terrorism remains a major threat to global peace and stability, including in Nigeria.

Israel Accuses Iran of Terror Links, Cites Activities in Nigeria

News

NSCDC Warns Contractors Over Damage to Fibre Optic Cables in Abuja

Published

11 hours ago

March 10, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

NSCDC Warns Contractors Over Damage to Fibre Optic Cables in Abuja

By: Michael Mike

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has issued a strong warning to construction companies and contractors operating in the Federal Capital Territory, cautioning them to stop damaging underground fibre-optic cables during excavation works or face prosecution.

The warning was issued by the FCT Commandant of the Corps, Olusola Odumosu, who expressed concern over the growing cases of fibre-optic cable destruction across Abuja due to negligence and poor planning by construction firms.

Odumosu said the increasing damage to the communication infrastructure has led to repeated disruption of internet services, banking operations, telecommunications networks and other critical government and commercial activities.

According to him, the destruction of fibre-optic cables constitutes a serious national security risk and undermines economic activities in the country.

He explained that under the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure Order 2024, telecommunications infrastructure, including fibre-optic cables, has been classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure, making any deliberate or negligent damage a punishable offence.

The Commandant noted that the Corps derives its powers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Act 2003 (as amended in 2007), which empowers it to protect national assets, maintain round-the-clock surveillance on critical infrastructure and prosecute offenders involved in vandalism and sabotage.

He added that the law authorises the Corps to arrest, detain and investigate individuals or organisations responsible for damaging public utilities such as communication cables, power transmission lines, pipelines and other strategic facilities.

Odumosu disclosed that in line with directives from the Office of the National Security Adviser, contractors must verify the presence of underground utilities before commencing excavation or drilling in the FCT.

He directed all construction firms to liaise with telecommunication service providers, the NSCDC and relevant authorities before carrying out digging or drilling activities, stressing that ignorance of the presence of fibre-optic cables will not be accepted as a defence.

The NSCDC boss further warned that the Corps would not tolerate vandalism or interference with critical national assets such as power installations, oil and gas pipelines, rail infrastructure, water facilities, communication masts and government buildings.

He said offenders—whether individuals, companies or government contractors—would face prosecution under existing laws, including the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 and other relevant legislation protecting national infrastructure.

Odumosu assured residents that the NSCDC remains committed to safeguarding critical national assets across the capital territory and urged contractors to strictly comply with verification procedures before undertaking civil works.

He also called on members of the public, professional bodies and project managers to report suspicious excavation activities or vandalism of public infrastructure to the nearest NSCDC formation for prompt response.

The Commandant reiterated the Corps’ zero-tolerance for vandalism, urging organisations and stakeholders to collaborate with the agency to protect public utilities and ensure sustainable economic growth.

NSCDC Warns Contractors Over Damage to Fibre Optic Cables in Abuja