ECOWAS Court Launches Five-Year Strategic Plan to Deepen Justice, Regional Integration

By: Michael Mike

The ECOWAS Court of Justice has unveiled an ambitious five-year strategic plan designed to strengthen the rule of law, expand access to justice and deepen regional integration across West Africa.

The plan, which will run from 2026 to 2030, was officially launched on Friday in Abuja, where the leadership of the court outlined a bold vision to transform the institution into a more effective and accessible pillar of justice within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

President of the court, Ricardo Goncalves, described the strategy as a decisive moment for the institution, saying it reflects a renewed commitment to strengthening the court’s role in safeguarding justice and promoting stability across the region.

“This moment is not merely symbolic. Above all, it represents a turning point. It is a clear affirmation of our collective resolve to strengthen the role of the Court as a guarantor of the rule of law, a promoter of justice, and a vital pillar of regional integration in West Africa,” he said.

According to him, the new strategy outlines a shared vision focused on institutional transformation, operational efficiency and measurable impact on the lives of citizens within the ECOWAS community.

Goncalves emphasised that the success of the initiative would depend on strong collaboration among judges, court staff and key regional stakeholders, stressing that each group has a critical role to play in achieving the objectives of the plan.

He charged judges of the court to reinforce the quality of jurisprudence, ensure consistency in judicial decisions and contribute to building a justice system that is accessible, timely and widely respected across member states.

The court president also highlighted the pivotal role of administrative staff, describing them as the backbone of the institution whose commitment to efficiency, case management and technical excellence would determine the effectiveness of the new framework.

Beyond internal reforms, he stressed the need for stronger partnerships with ECOWAS member states, regional institutions, legal practitioners, development partners and civil society organisations to ensure effective enforcement of court judgments and greater legal harmonisation across the region.

He noted that improved planning, transparency and a results-driven institutional culture would form the foundation of the strategy, which aims to reposition the court as a more visible and influential institution in regional governance.

In her welcome address, the Deputy Registrar of the court, Marie Saine, described the unveiling of the plan as the beginning of a renewed commitment to justice and service to the people of the ECOWAS region.

She explained that the Strategic Plan 2026–2030 was developed through extensive consultations, rigorous institutional review and forward-looking analysis to ensure that it responds effectively to emerging legal and governance challenges within West Africa.

Saine said the strategy is anchored on five key goals, including ensuring timely and impartial justice, expanding access to justice and legal empowerment, strengthening human rights protection and legal harmonisation, improving transparency and stakeholder engagement, and enhancing institutional capacity and governance.

She noted that the roadmap is both ambitious and pragmatic, providing clear priorities that will guide the court’s work over the next five years.

The ECOWAS Court of Justice serves as the judicial arm of the Economic Community of West African States, with the mandate to interpret community law, protect human rights and resolve disputes involving member states and institutions of the regional bloc.

Officials said the newly unveiled strategic framework replaces the court’s previous plan and is intended to position the institution to respond more effectively to evolving legal demands while strengthening its contribution to justice, peace and regional integration in West Africa.

ECOWAS Court Launches Five-Year Strategic Plan to Deepen Justice, Regional Integration

UN Launches Ambitious 2026–2030 Country Programme to Strengthen Nigeria’s Security, Justice, and Public Health

…Drug Abuse Escalates into National Crisis, NDLEA Warns

By: Michael Mike

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on Friday launched its most ambitious Country Programme for Nigeria, covering 2026–2030, aimed at strengthening criminal justice, countering organized crime, promoting public health, and reinforcing the rule of law.

Delivering the keynote at the launch in Abuja, the UNODC Representative in Nigeria, Cheikh Toure said: “It is my honour and privilege to welcome you to the launch of the UNODC Country Programme for Nigeria 2026–2030. Your presence… confirms a shared conviction: that peace, justice and development in Nigeria must be pursued together, as one integrated agenda.”

Highlighting the urgency of the programme, the official added, “Nigeria stands at a defining moment. As Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation… Nigeria is not only shaping its own future; it is helping shape the future of our region, our continent and our shared global community.”

Addressing the complex threats facing the country, the UNODC official said: “Persistent illicit drug trafficking and use; transnational organized crime, including human trafficking and maritime insecurity; violent extremism; entrenched corruption; and sustained pressure on institutions and communities… these are lived realities for families and communities, with consequences far beyond Nigeria’s borders.”

The programme’s scope, according to the UNODC representative, is “built on decades of partnership and broad consultations with government, civil society, development partners and communities. Above all, it is a programme rooted in respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty, institutions and people.”

On the framework’s pillars, the official explained: “First, it strengthens the criminal justice system – because fair, effective and accessible institutions are the foundation of public trust, including for women, children and other vulnerable groups.”

“Second, it tackles corruption and illicit financial flows, protecting public resources and reinforcing transparency and accountability essential for development.”

“Third, it supports Nigeria’s efforts to prevent and counter terrorism, in ways that are effective and firmly grounded in the rule of law and human rights.”

“Fourth, it addresses organized crime in all its forms – from trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants to maritime, cyber and environmental crime – recognizing their impact on security, livelihoods, ecosystems and economic stability.”

“Finally, it promotes health, with a strong focus on preventing and treating drug use disorders and expanding access to evidence-based services. No society can be secure if its people are not healthy.”

Emphasizing inclusion and equity, the UNODC representative said: “Across all pillars, the Programme prioritizes youth, advances gender equality, strengthens partnerships at federal, state and community levels, and promotes inclusion of persons living with disabilities.”

On partnerships, the official expressed gratitude: “We are proud to work alongside NDLEA, NAPTIP, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Navy, EFCC, ICPC, the Nigerian Correctional Service and many others whose daily commitment to the rule of law inspires us.”

Urging political commitment and sustainable Programmed allocation, the UNODC representative stated: “With the greatest respect, allow me therefore to advocate clearly: for strong political commitment to this Country Programme at the highest levels; for concrete support to the enabling reforms that will sustain the results; and for the progressive allocation of domestic resources – budgetary, in-kind and institutional – to key areas of the Programme.”

Toure reminded stakeholders of the programme’s ultimate goal: “Justice delayed is justice denied – but justice under-resourced is also justice denied… The challenges we face are too complex for any one institution or country to address alone. We will only achieve lasting progress if we work in partnership – if we go farther together.”

The UNODC Country Programme for Nigeria 2026–2030 is designed to provide a cohesive, evidence-based, and nationally owned framework to tackle drug abuse, organized crime, corruption, and other threats, while promoting justice, health, and sustainable development across the country.

Meanwhile, drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria have reached alarming levels, evolving into a serious public health and national security crisis, the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Buba Marwa, warned on Friday.

Marwa delivered the stark warning during the launch of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Country Programme for Nigeria 2026–2030 in Abuja, highlighting the urgent need for a coordinated, multi-sectoral response.

“The drug challenge in Nigeria is no longer static; it is expanding and becoming more complex,” Marwa said, stressing that the problem fuels violent crime, money laundering, and social instability while threatening the health and future of citizens.

The NDLEA chief outlined a new strategic direction, moving beyond traditional enforcement. He said the agency has intensified intelligence-driven operations to dismantle trafficking networks while simultaneously focusing on prevention, rehabilitation, and counselling for drug-dependent individuals.

“We have strengthened enforcement, but we have also expanded our focus on prevention, counselling and rehabilitation,” Marwa explained. “This reflects a shift from a punitive system to a human-centred, restorative approach.”

The programme, he noted, is aligned with Nigeria’s priorities to implement data-driven interventions, strengthen institutional integrity, and adopt gender-sensitive approaches that recognise the unique vulnerabilities and roles of women in the drug landscape.

Looking ahead to 2030, Marwa said the success of national efforts should be measured by the number of lives saved and communities strengthened, rather than the quantity of drugs seized.

“No single agency can tackle this challenge alone,” he said, calling for collaboration among law enforcement, healthcare providers, educators, and civil society groups.

Marwa commended UNODC for the initiative, reaffirming NDLEA’s commitment to working closely with partners to ensure effective implementation and safeguard communities across Nigeria.

UN Launches Ambitious 2026–2030 Country Programme to Strengthen Nigeria’s Security, Justice, and Public Health

Troops uncover, neutralise IED along Wawa–Babans axis in Niger state

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD have uncovered and safely neutralised an improvised explosive device (IED) along the Wawa–Babana road in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State during an ongoing offensive operation.

Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 10:00 a.m. on March 25 by troops of 22 Brigade Sector 1, Operation Safe Secure Support (OPSS), in conjunction with 221 Battalion.

The sources said the troops were on patrol along the axis to assess a bridge previously damaged by an IED explosion when they encountered the security threat.

According to the sources, the troops quickly created an alternative route to bypass the damaged bridge and continued their movement along the operational axis.

During further advance towards Luma, the troops reportedly discovered another IED planted along the route.

The explosive device was subsequently recovered and safely disposed of by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, preventing what could have been a major threat to troops and civilians.

Troops uncover, neutralise IED along Wawa–Babans axis in Niger state