ECOWAS Court President Calls for Stronger Institutional Collaboration, Efficiency, and Accountability at 2025 Judicial Retreat

By: Michael Mike

Abuja-Nigeria, 26 October 2025 – Honourable Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, has called for renewed commitment to institutional collaboration, efficiency, and accountability as foundations of service in the Court. He made the call during the opening of the 2025 Judicial Retreat holding from 26 to 31 October 2025 at Zuma Resort in Niger State, Nigeria.

In his opening speech, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves welcomed participants and underscored the relevance of the annual retreat as a forum for reflection, accountability and institutional reinforcement. He commended the judges and staff for a productive judicial year and acknowledged the successful organisation of the 2025/2026 Legal Year Opening Ceremony, which reaffirmed the central role of the judiciary in the ECOWAS integration framework.

Justice Gonçalves also emphasised the importance of internal cohesion and institutional discipline to effective delivery of justice, stressing that the Court’s ability to deliver timely and impactful justice depends on the quality of its internal systems.

“The credibility of this Court is not written merely in our statutes. It is built daily through our conduct, our diligence and our unity of purpose. I therefore hope that this retreat will be not only a moment of reflection, but also a renewal of commitment, discipline and integrity in the service of justice,” he said.

He outlined five priority areas that would guide the operations of the Court in the coming year. They include: strengthening collaboration between the judges’ chambers and all departments; institutionalising the implementation of retreat recommendations; upholding discipline and ethics as non-negotiable foundations of service in the Court; enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of judicial processes; and promoting unity and institutional loyalty within the Court.

In his remarks, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, Chief Registrar of the Court presented the objectives and expected outcomes of the retreat. He said that the ‘retreat aims to reinforce the capacity of staff to effectively support the Honourable Judges in their judicial work. It addresses the critical need for improved efficiency, productivity and synergy in the execution of official duties.’ He added that the retreat will result in enhanced understanding of comparative practices of international courts and clear understanding of applicable procedural laws of the Court in the administration of justice.

The 2025 Judicial Retreat will feature detailed assessments of departmental performance based on the Court’s annual performance report, a review of the implementation status of previous retreat recommendations, and discussions on comparative judicial practices in areas such as summary hearings, interim measures, accelerated procedure and judicial reforms.

The Retreat which is being held under the theme ‘Efficiency and Effectiveness: Streamlining Processes for a Dynamic ECOWAS Court’ brings together the college of judges, registry staff, and legal officers to reflect, review institutional performance, and define strategic priorities for the coming year. Expected resolutions of the Retreat include the adoption of the Annual Performance Report of the Court for October 2024–October 2025 and a Manual of Disciplinary Procedure for Staff of the Court.

ECOWAS Court President Calls for Stronger Institutional Collaboration, Efficiency, and Accountability at 2025 Judicial Retreat

Nigeria, UNIDO, and Partners Unite to Drive Mercury-Free Gold Mining Revolution

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the Basel Convention Coordinating Centre for Africa, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) have jointly launched the Project Steering Committee of the GEF-GOLD+ Initiative in Nigeria.

The project, “Enhancing Formalization of Mercury-Free Gold in Nigeria,” marks a major milestone in the country’s commitment to eliminate mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining, promote cleaner technologies, protect public health, and foster sustainable economic growth.

In her inaugural address, Mrs. Bahidja Abubakar (representing the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Mahmood Adam Kambari) highlighted Nigeria’s dedication to the global fight against mercury pollution through the Minamata Convention. She emphasized that Nigeria has already laid a strong foundation with its National Action Plan (NAP), and that the new GEF-GOLD+ Project builds upon this progress to fully eliminate mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM).

“It is with immense satisfaction and a profound sense of responsibility that I stand before you today to formally inaugurate the Project Steering Committee for the GEF-GOLD Plus Nigeria Project, Enhancing the Formalisation of Mercury-Free Gold in Nigeria. You will recall that Nigeria, as a signatory and party to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, has demonstrated its commitment by developing a National Action Plan for the reduction and eventual elimination of mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining between 2017 and 2020. This initiative was undertaken to implement Article 7 of the Minamata Convention concerning the use of mercury in ASGM.”

She also highlighted the grave environmental and health threats posed by mercury pollution, noting that emissions from small-scale mining contribute significantly to global contamination.

“The issue of mercury pollution, particularly within the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector, presents a significant and pressing challenge to our environment and the health and well-being of our citizens. It is noteworthy that mercury pollution from ASGM contributes approximately 37% of global mercury emissions.”

Mrs. Abubakar outlined the GEF-GOLD+ Project’s strategic approach, emphasizing formalization, access to finance, and the adoption of mercury-free technologies to transform Nigeria’s gold mining landscape.

“The GEF-GOLD Plus Nigeria Project is strategically designed to address this challenge comprehensively through a multi-faceted approach encompassing the promotion of formalisation, improved access to financial resources, and facilitation of the adoption of sustainable mercury-free technologies within the mining sector.”

She further explained the role of the newly inaugurated Project Steering Committee (PSC) in providing leadership, technical guidance, and oversight throughout the project.

“The Project Steering Committee will bear the crucial responsibility of providing strategic guidance and actionable recommendations to effectively support the project’s overarching objectives. Furthermore, the PSC will play a vital role in contributing to informed decision-making processes by offering expert advice, pertinent insights and diverse perspectives, while facilitating seamless communication and robust collaboration among all relevant stakeholders.”

In closing, Mrs. Abubakar called on all PSC members to dedicate themselves fully to the project’s goals.

“I earnestly urge all distinguished members of this PSC to approach this important task with unwavering dedication, utmost diligence, and a strong spirit of collaboration and mutual respect. Your collective contributions will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of gold mining in Nigeria and contribute significantly to a healthier, more sustainable and more prosperous environment for all.”

The Director and UNIDO Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Philbert Johnson, reaffirmed UNIDO’s collaboration with the Nigerian government and partners to ensure successful implementation of mercury-free gold mining practices.

“UNIDO is committed to partner with the Federal Minister of Environment, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, and the Basel Convention Coordinating Centre for Africa, in advancing the implementation of Nigeria’s National Action on Liquor, developed under the Minamata Convention. This project marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to promote a cleaner, safer, more sustainable, and more small-scale gold mining sector.”

He emphasized that the GEF-GOLD+ Project is a key step toward eliminating mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining, addressing both environmental and health hazards caused by unsafe mining practices.

“The JF-GOO Plus Project, titled Enhancing Formalization of Mercury-Free Gold in Nigeria, represents a vital opportunity to address one of the most pressing environmental and public health challenges associated with the use of mercury in artisanal mining. The adoption of poor mining practices and the use of mercury in gold recovery processes has generated serious environmental contamination that could lead to liver and kidney diseases.”

The project’s multifaceted approach formalization, financing, cleaner technologies, and traceable supply chains was also highlighted.

“By promoting formalization, improving access to finance, introducing mercury-free technologies, and strengthening traceability in gold supply chains, this project will help protect human health, safeguard ecosystems, and foster inclusive economic growth. As the Project Steering Committee is inaugurated today, UNIDO wishes to reaffirm its full support for the successful implementation of the project activities. We are confident that through collaborative effort, innovation, and shared commitment, Nigeria will make significant progress towards achieving a mercury-free artisanal gold mining sector.”

UNIDO placed the project within the framework of its Country Partnership Programme with Nigeria (2024–2028), linking it to Sustainable Development Goals and long-term national priorities.

“These projects we are discussing today will therefore be delivered within the framework of the PCP. The programme for country partnership has six major components industrial policy and strategic governance; startups and MSME development; special economic zones and clusters; value chain development in agriculture and minerals; sustainable energy and environmental management; and trade capacity building. The project also contributes directly to Sustainable Development Goals 9, 12, and 13 on industry, responsible consumption and production, and climate action, respectively.”

On behalf of Eng Dr Mrs B Abubakar, Director Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mrs Omotunde Adeola emphasized the inauguration of the PSC as a critical moment in Nigeria’s commitment to addressing mercury pollution.

“It is with considerable pleasure that I extend a warm welcome to you all to this inaugural meeting and the inauguration of the Project Steering Committee for the GEF Gold Plus Nigeria project, Enhancing the Formalization of Mercury-Free Gold in Nigeria. Ladies and gentlemen, today marks a significant milestone in our collective endeavor to address the critical issue of mercury utilization within the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector in Nigeria. The Pollution Control and Environmental Health Department of the Federal Ministry of Environment recognizes the imperative need to mitigate the environmental and public health hazards associated with mercury, and we are resolute and committed to fostering sustainable solutions.”

She stressed that the project’s outcomes will extend beyond the pilot states, contributing to Nigeria’s broader sustainable development agenda.

“This project, with a strategic focus on formalization, enhanced access to finance, and the adoption of mercury-free technologies, is of paramount importance not only for the participating states of Niger, Kaduna, Zamfara, and Kebbi, but ultimately for the sustainable development of our entire nation.”

Mrs. Adeola also highlighted the importance of collaboration and expertise in driving project success.

“We have assembled a diverse and highly capable group of individuals and organizations, each possessing unique and valuable expertise and perspectives. Your insightful contributions will be instrumental in guiding the project towards the successful realization of its objective. I am confident that through robust collaborative efforts, we can create a sustainable and environmentally responsible gold mining sector in Nigeria.”

Ahmed Bah Ibrahim, in his presentation on enhancing formalization and mercury-free gold in Nigeria, noted that mercury (“Makery”) is a global pollutant heavily used in artisanal small-scale gold mining. The project aims to formalize this sector to reduce mercury emissions, prevent environmental contamination, and maximize economic benefits.

“Formalizing the sector is therefore crucial for maximizing its economic benefits, implementing modern environmental standards, and fundamentally reducing and eliminating Makery use. This aligns with the global commitment to sustainable development and responsible mining practice.”

He highlighted alignment with Nigeria’s obligations under the Minamata Convention.

“The Minamata Convention on Makery is a global treaty where so many countries are party to, including Nigeria. The objective of this treaty is to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of Makery… Nigeria became a party to the Convention on 1 February 2018, and we have gone a long way in implementing the Convention by implementing so many projects.”

Ahmed outlined the project’s objectives and components, emphasizing a holistic, multi-sectoral approach.

“The project objective is to reduce the use of mercury in the ASBM sector in participating states through a holistic multisectoral integrated formalization approach. The project aims to increase access to finance and adoption of sustainable mercury-free technologies in the accessible gold supply chain.”

He also explained the implementation structure and partnerships.

“The four executing agencies, with the support of this committee, will be responsible for overseeing the project implementation and will also offer strategic guidance and recommendations to support the project’s objectives. The project reporting format is biannual, and reports are also submitted to the global Planet Gold platform.”

Finally, Ahmed addressed the project’s global and national scope and timeline.

“The project aims to support countries in meeting their commitments under the Minamata Convention with a concrete target of directly reducing 123 tons of mining emissions or releases from the ASBM sector. The project duration is five years, but it is already two years behind schedule there might be room for the project to apply for an extension.”

Nigeria, UNIDO, and Partners Unite to Drive Mercury-Free Gold Mining Revolution

Tuggar Tasks Foreign Service graduates to and debunk negative religious narratives

By: Michael Mike

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has charged newly graduating Foreign Service officers on the need to project the country’s image while at the same time debunking the ongoing negative narratives about the state religious persecution.

Tuggar gave the charge on Tuesday at the closing ceremony of the 26th Regular Course of the Foreign Service Academy in Abuja.

He said: “For our Foreign Service, this imposes a clear mandate: to project the narrative of a reformed, confident, and forward-looking Nigeria. Our missions must serve as economic outposts, actively promoting investment, trade, and technological cooperation in every host country.

“You must also debunk false narratives at every opportunity, such as the ongoing campaign against the Nigerian state alleging religious persecution.”

He also reminded them of sections 10, 38 and 42 of the country’s Constitution that make it impossible “to have a state religion, guarantee freedom of religion, and prohibit religious and ethnic discrimination.”

He added: “Explain that our judicial system has secular courts of appeal and constitutional override to set aside rulings and judgements of first instance courts if they infringe on any citizen’s rights. Tell them that our state governments do not have blasphemy laws. “What they have are breach of peace or incitement offences to prevent communal violence, necessary in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious nation of 230 million souls.”

The Minister also informed the graduates their expected role in the ongoing reforms under President Bola Tinubu, stating that: “Complementing these domestic reforms, our foreign policy is now a pediment of strategic autonomy sitting atop the 4 Diplomatic pillars of Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora—which serve as the compass for Nigeria’s global engagement. This doctrine reinforces our commitment to good governance and the rule of law, shared prosperity through innovation, the immense potential of our youthful population, and a vibrant diaspora that projects Nigeria’s excellence across the world. Together, these four pillars form a people-centred and forward-looking framework that defines Nigeria’s renewed voice and influence on the world stage.

“We must avoid over-alignment because it creates threats in our region. Strategic Autonomy is sophisticated statecraft, not wanton opportunism. We must reject binary ideological alignments and focus on issues-based relationships as defined by our foreign policy objectives and national aspirations.”

The Minister also disclosed that the process of reviewing the curriculum of the Foreign Service Academy has commenced, adding the review, Tuggar is to reflect the current global realities.

He noted that we are in an era where diplomacy itself is being redefined.

The Minister stressed that the world has become more interconnected, and international relations more complex, driven by technology, data, and artificial intelligence.

He noted that the Foreign Service is a profession that demands patriotism, integrity and most importantly, competence, stressing that: “In this regard, and following my recent visit to the permanent site of the Foreign Service Academy in Badagry, I am pleased to announce that the process of reviewing the curriculum to reflect these global realities has commenced.”

He explained: “We live in an era where diplomacy itself is being redefined. The world has become more interconnected, and international relations more complex, driven by technology, data, and artificial intelligence.

“The Foreign Service is a calling to represent Nigeria’s dignity and aspirations. Every word you speak, every negotiation you enter, and every decision you are part of, will project the image of this great country.”

He also added that the Ministry has created the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Desk in recognition of the evolving world.

According to him: “It is in recognition of this evolving reality that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently created a dedicated Artificial Intelligence (AI) Desk and hosted a seminar on Artificial Intelligence in Modern Diplomacy. These initiatives are part of our broader commitment to ensuring that Nigerian diplomacy remains forward-looking, adaptive, and competitive.”

He also reminded the graduates that “the Foreign Service entails a lifetime of learning. You must keep reading and improving yourselves. Each assignment will teach you something new about nations, about humanity, and about yourself. I urge you to embrace this journey with humility, curiosity and discipline.

“Your diplomatic life will know no limits if you look beyond postings and protocol assignments and aim to be innovative, resilient and purpose-driven.”

The Minister also disclosed that the Ministry has commenced a review process of its Station Charters “to set new, contemporary performance targets that reflect modern diplomatic demands. “Our goal is to derive greater value from Nigeria’s presence in over 109 countries, not just through political engagement, but also through human capital development, business process outsourcing, local minerals processing, and trade facilitation.”

He noted that the country’s diplomats “must understand their role within the framework of the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD), an initiative championed by President Tinubu to strengthen democratic institutions, promote stability, and address the root causes of insecurity across West Africa. As representatives of Nigeria, you will serve on the front lines of this task, helping build coalitions to protect democracy and development in our region. Bear in mind that RPD recognises the variable geometry of Democracy- it’s different forms and speeds of application, especially in our region and our continent.”

The minister also used the opportunity to reaffirm the government’s commitment to ensuring that the Foreign Service Academy returns to its permanent site in Badagry, Lagos. Discussions are ongoing to secure partnerships and funding through both public–private collaboration and development partners to make this a reality.”

He equally urged the National Assembly to accelerate the passage of the Foreign Service Commission Bill, which will provide the legal framework necessary to strengthen the Academy’s autonomy, attract partnerships, and expand its capacity to train not only Nigerians but diplomats across brotherly countries in Africa.

Tuggar Tasks Foreign Service graduates to and debunk negative religious narratives