As part of preparations for its upcoming External Court Sessions and sensitization campaign in Lagos, the President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Hon. Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, led an advance delegation to the state from 28 April to 4 May 2025.
On 30 April, Justice Gonçalves paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba, at the Lagos High Court. Both judicial leaders held extensive discussions on legal cooperation, institutional challenges, and the role of regional justice mechanisms in West Africa.
Welcoming the delegation, Justice Alogba expressed his appreciation for the visit, describing it as an honour to host the ECOWAS Court. He commended the Court’s jurisprudence and emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration between national and regional courts. The Chief Judge outlined recent developments in the Lagos judiciary, including expansion across five judicial divisions and plans to establish additional courts in underserved areas such as the Apapa–Badagry corridor.
Justice Alogba acknowledged ongoing infrastructural challenges, particularly in adapting court facilities following damages sustained during the #EndSARS protests. He also highlighted the complexities of enforcing regional court decisions within diverse political landscapes, while underscoring the necessity of respecting international charters and the ECOWAS Court’s role in promoting accountability.
In response, Justice Gonçalves, accompanied by the Court’s Vice President, Hon. Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma, and Chief Registrar Dr. Yaouza Ouro-Sama, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and institutional support. He formally invited the Chief Judge to the opening ceremony of the Court’s next judicial year, scheduled for later in 2025.
Justice Gonçalves acknowledged the recent withdrawal of three ECOWAS member states, reducing the Court’s jurisdiction to 12 countries, but reaffirmed its commitment to its mandate. He outlined the Court’s primary functions, including human rights protection, interpretation of ECOWAS legal instruments, resolution of employment disputes within ECOWAS institutions, and advisory legal opinions.
The visit also served to promote the Court’s sensitization campaign, which will run from 5 to 7 May 2025 in Lagos, aimed at raising public awareness and improving access to regional justice.
