By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthen bilateral relations with Argentina on information exchange and cultural cooperation.

Idris made the disclosure on Wednesday in Abuja when the Argentine Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Nicholas Nao, paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

The minister, in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, said the visit will deepen diplomatic ties between both nations.

“Nigeria and Argentina share a long history of friendly relationship built on mutual respect and cooperation in the regional and global fora.

“The ministry of information remains committed to foster collaboration which promotes mutual understanding in public communication, cultural diplomacy, and people-to-people exchange.

“I am confident that your leadership will help advance bilateral cooperation in media development, information exchange and public enlightenment,” the statement read.

He commended Nao on his continued service in Nigeria, acknowledging his earlier role as deputy head of mission to Nigeria.

Nao expressed appreciation for the minister’s warm reception and commended Nigeria for its leadership role in Africa.

“Information remains a vital bridge connecting people and nations as exchange of positive narratives can further strengthen ties between both countries.

“This visit has a symbolic significance, coinciding with the second round fixture between both countries at the ongoing Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) U–20 world cup in Chile.

“This is as a reminder of the deep cultural and sporting ties both countries share.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports both parties pledged assurances of partnership and commitment to mutual dialogue. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

By Mark Longyen

Nigeria on Tuesday called for the upholding of fairness and inclusivity in the distribution of the statutory positions within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the appeal while declaring open an Ad hoc Ministerial Meeting on the Rotation of Statutory Appointees of ECOWAS Institutions.

She noted that the meeting was a reaffirmation of member states’ shared commitment to upholding the principles of equity, regional balance, and institutional integrity within the governance framework of ECOWAS.

“I want to assure you that, as part of our enduring commitment to the ideals of regional integration and solidarity, Nigeria will continue to assume its traditional leadership role by constructively engaging with all member states to build consensus and ensure that our collective decisions reflect both equity and a shared vision for the future of our Community,” she said.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the task before the committee was crucial, and at the heart of ECOWAS’ regional integration agenda, hence members were carefully constituted to undertake the assignment for the sub-region.

According to her, it is essential to duly recognise and accommodate the aspirations of member states, who have smaller populations or limited resources, but who demonstrate unflinching commitment to ECOWAS.

The minister cautioned that membership of the Ad-hoc Committee should not be construed as a pathway to positions of leadership within the ECOWAS institutions.

Rather, she said, its members’ engagement should be guided by the principles of regional solidarity, prioritising the collective interest of the sub-region above national aspirations.

She explained that, in doing so, they would contribute to fostering deeper unity, mutual trust, and a shared sense of purpose among ECOWAS citizens.

The minister stressed that the task of reviewing and considering proposals for the allocation of statutory positions within ECOWAS institutions for the term 2026 to 2030 was given to them based on trust.

“This task takes on particular urgency as the current statutory appointees, serving non-renewable four-year terms, are set to complete their tenures between July and October, 2026.

“Our mandate, therefore, is to carefully review the Commission’s proposals and to submit our report to the Council of Ministers during the Statutory Meetings in December 2025, for its final consideration and subsequent recommendation to the Authority.

“Let us remain focused on ensuring that the outcomes of our engagements are both meaningful and impactful for the future of our region,” she added.

Dr Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, in a remark, recalled that in June during the Ministerial Council’s 94th Ordinary Session, he notified the Council that the current management of ECOWAS Institutions’ tenure would elapse by July 14, 2026.

He explained that this was in compliance with the 2012 Supplementary Act on the Modalities for the Allocation of Statutory Positions in ECOWAS Institutions, and Article 14, Paragraph 3 of the Supplementary Act.

Touray added that the Commission would present the memo, which would set out the framework for the allocation of the statutory positions to the committee for final consideration.

“The memo was prepared taking into account the provisions of the 2012 Supplementary Act and historical data on the allocations of the statutory positions of the institutions since 1975.

“It is the expectation that the Ad-hoc Committee will review this proposal with the broader interest of the Community at heart.

“The Commission stands ready to provide any services that would ease the work of the Committee,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the positions to be filled are those of ECOWAS President, Vice-President, Commissioners, and judges of the Community Court of Justice.

Others include the Auditor-General, the Directors-General of the Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) and the West African Health Organization (WAHO).

The rotation of ECOWAS statutory appointees follows the principle of rotating positions among member countries for equitable representation in the organisation’s executive bodies, as stipulated in its regulations, with a non-renewable four-year term.

The six-member Ad-hoc Committee, which comprises of Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Nigeria, Senegal and Togo, will review the proposed appointments allocation and submit it to the Ministerial Council for consideration.

The final document will be forwarded to the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government for final decision.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Mark Longyen

A former Vice President of the ECOWAS Court, Prof. Friday Nwoke, has called for the inclusion of criminal jurisdiction in the court’s mandate to enable it to handle criminal cases.

He threw the challenge during the ECOWAS Court‘s 2025/2026 Legal Year celebration, with the theme: “ECOWAS Court and International Law: Expanding Access and Navigating Contemporary Challenges in Abuja.”

Nwoke, a Professor of International Law at the University of Jos, said ECOWAS leaders should initiate the process of expanding the Court’s mandate to include criminal jurisdiction due to contemporary challenges.

He said: “We have spoken about terrorism. We have spoken about conflicts. We have spoken about challenges. But in terms of exercising jurisdiction in these areas, the court for now lacks that mandate.

“It demands and behoves the political authorities, especially the ECOWAS Commission, perhaps, to initiate the processes of expanding the jurisdiction of the court in view of contemporary challenges that are arising in this regard.

“This is because issues of migration, terrorism, climate change, and so on and so forth, cannot actually be brought on the pedestal of regionalism, unless the jurisdiction of the court is expanded in that regard.”

The don also urged ECOWAS leaders to expand the Community Court’s mandate and leverage the court to stem the tide of military coups and unconstitutional change of governments confronting West Africa.

“I think there should be a way that the political authorities should equally bring such conflicts within the ambit of the jurisdiction of the court.

“In that regard, the national courts are also supposed to be partners in progress with the community court, if we really want integration.

“We should be thinking of expanding the jurisdiction of the court to include criminal jurisdiction,” he emphasised.

Nwoke, who was the keynote speaker, also enjoined ECOWAS political authorities to ensure the enforcement of ECOWAS Court judgments among member states, noting that their goodwill was crucial for such obligation.

He stated that Article 24 of the Supplementary Protocol stipulates that the enforcement of the judgments of the ECOWAS Court is to be enforced through the civil procedure rules of the courts of the member states.

“The political will appears to be one of the facets that is lacking in the area of the enforcements of the judgments of the court.

“One of the fundamental principles of access to justice is an enforceable remedy, so that persons who have gone through the process to obtain justice should be able to reap the fruits of their labour,” he said.

According to him, this is only possible through the collaboration of ECOWAS Court and member states’ domestic courts and the incorporation of the principles of community law into the national jurisdiction of member states.

Nwoke said that to achieve this objective, member states’ national assemblies, and legislative institutions must incorporate the principles of the community court within the ambit of their legal system.

He said that member states must realise that running an international organisation or institution requires ceding some of their sovereignty to the institution to enable it function effectively.

Nwoke stressed that to make international law part of their domestic law, it was imperative that member states should try as much as possible to incorporate community law.

“It is necessary for national courts to understand that the ECOWAS court of justice is not a competitor but a partner in progress.

“ECOWAS currently stands at the crucial intersection of justice, human rights, peace, and stability, and the enforcement of international norms within, with the potential shape for a bright West Africa.

“The ECOWAS Court of Justice is a partner in integration, so we must be in a position to expand its jurisdiction and expand its access to ECOWAS citizens,” he added.(NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Mark Longyen

The President of Cape Verde, José Neves, has reaffirmed  his country’s commitment and determination to pursue initiatives that would strengthen community justice and integration in the West African sub-region.

He made this known at the ECOWAS Court‘s 2025/2026 Legal Year celebration, with the theme: “ECOWAS Court and International Law: Expanding Access and Navigating Contemporary Challenges,” on Thursday in Abuja.

“As we open today the legal year of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, we are standing under the banner of justice, which is an intangible force that sustains the order of the world, and gives meaning to the collective life of nations,” he said.

“This moment here is not merely an institutional formality. It is a proclamation that our community believes that, the law is stronger than force, the pen is mightier than the sword, and that the hope of people is built on the foundations of the law.

“As an island state, and also a member of this community, Cape Verde reaffirms its commitment to the ideals of regional integration, as well as its firm determination to continue to pursue the initiatives that strengthen community justice, a cornerstone of our cohesion and our shared commitment to community justice,” he said.

While reiterating his willingness to work with other West African leaders, he said they could only successfully address the challenges of integration and community justice through collective action and solidarity.

“Article 68 of the ECOWAS Revised Treaty recognises the peculiar nature of island states that are landlocked and provides for a differentiated treatment and adequate support.

“It is imperative that this principle be fully applied to transform the vulnerability of the so-called jurors of the outermost regions into a strategic singularity and an effective contribution to the wealth of the community,” he said.

He said it was also important for West African leaders to explore different forms of cooperation with ECOWAS member states, who have distanced themselves from the bloc, even when reintegration was impossible.

The president noted that ECOWAS Court is a guarantor of legality, the impartial arbiter of disputes, the guardian of fundamental rights of citizens, and the mainstay of the community’s credibility.

He said Africa was still facing border disputes, institutional weaknesses, and recurring tensions, so the existence of an independent and respected community court was a triumph of civilization that must be preserved and praised.

“It is in this court that the citizens find a safe haven against arbitrariness. It is here that our states have a fair firm to resolve their differences.

“It is here that in a pioneering move within Africa, citizens have direct access to a supranational body.

“We must ensure that all ECOWAS citizens, regardless of their status, can see the court as a real safe haven for protection, an effective remedy, and an instrument of dignity,” he said.

The president explained that doing so would strengthen the trust of the people in the institutions and consolidate the foundations of democracy.

President Neves challenged the ECOWAS Court to assert itself as a legal arbiter and catalyst for a new political culture, legality, transparency, accountability, and respect for international law and multilateralism.

He stressed that community justice must inspire Africa to construct a rules-based order with democracy and peace, as Africa would not be respected globally until it enforces its own rule of law.

“Integration and justice must be presented, not just as abstract notions but as a concrete pathway to dignity, opportunity and progress, so ECOWAS must be more than an institutional architecture.

“It must be the civilizational project that demonstrates to the world that Africa is capable of organizing itself according to the principles of dignity, solidarity and justice,” the president added.

Speaking earlier, ECOWAS Court President Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, urged the governments of ECOWAS member states to fully recognise the court’s authority and cooperate with it in enforcing the court’s judgments.

Gonçalves disclosed that only about 30 per cent of the court’s judgments had been enforced, and decried that the non-enforcement of judgments was the court’s formidable challenge.

Also speaking, Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, canvassed reforms in the ECOWAS Court of Justice to enhance community citizens’ access to justice, and address contemporary challenges.

“In my capacity as Attorney General of the Federation, I pledge to continue advocating for legal reforms that align domestic laws with regional obligations, while also ensuring that such decisions respect our constitutional order and national law,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Abujah Racheal

Tanzania will host the first International Symposium on Artemisia on Oct. 8, 2025, in Arusha, uniting global experts and policymakers to explore its health benefits and environmental applications.

Mr Arnaud Nouvion, the symposium co-convener, told newsmen on Friday via  webinar that it would serve as a platform to highlight Artemisia’s medicinal, agricultural, and ecological value, particularly its role in malaria control, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.

He said that participants are expected from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas to present research findings, share best practices, and discuss policy options for integrating Artemisia into global health strategies and environmental programmes.

He said the event would also provide opportunities for collaboration between governments, academia, and traditional medicine practitioners in advancing evidence-based applications of the plant.

He added that the symposium marked  a significant step in positioning Africa as a hub for scientific and policy innovation on Artemisia and its broader contribution to sustainable development.

According to him, the event will be co-hosted by the Aga Khan Foundation, the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS), Aga Khan University’s Arusha Climate and Environmental Research Centre (AKU-ACER), and Maison de l’Artemisia.

He said it would showcase the latest research and discoveries on the plant.

According to him, discussions will highlight Artemisia’s role in malaria prevention and treatment, tuberculosis and schistosomiasis control, reducing antibiotic use in animal health, and natural biopesticide applications in agriculture.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Artemisia is a medicinal plant best known for producing artemisinin, the compound used in modern malaria drugs.

Beyond malaria, researchers are exploring its potential in treating tuberculosis, schistosomiasis, reducing antibiotic use in livestock, and serving as a natural biopesticide in agriculture. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

By Mark Longyen

ECOWAS Court President Justice Ricardo Gonçalves has appealed to the governments of ECOWAS member states to fully recognise the court’s authority and cooperate with it in enforcing the court’s judgments.

He made the appeal while declaring open ECOWAS Court‘s 2025/2026 Legal Year celebration, with the theme: “ECOWAS Court and International Law: Expanding Access and Navigating Contemporary Challenges,” on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the annual event is usually held to mark the commencement of a new legal year and provide an opportunity to reflect on the court’s achievements, challenges, and future prospects.

It also serves as a forum for dialogue with stakeholders, like other ECOWAS institutions, member states, national courts, bar associations, academics, civil society and development partners to chart the way forward.

The Community Court’s President, while noting that only about 30 per cent of the court’s judgments had been enforced, decried that the non-enforcement of judgments was the court’s formidable challenge.

“Some of the difficulties that we have encountered relating to the jurisdiction of the court include the persistence of non-enforcement of the court’s judgments.

“Now, you see, our processes should not just end in presentation of an application to the court and a verdict delivered, but all this must translate into not just the text that regulates.

“Indeed, what credibility would a court have if their decisions were not enforced? It is only on this condition that the citizens of the community and the general public will continue to believe in this court,” he said.

According to him, community citizens, who sometimes come from far and wide to seek for justice to be done to them, deserve to see decisions enforced in good faith, and timely.

Gonçalves, therefore, appealed to the administration of the community institutions to continue honouring their commitments by fully recognising the authority of the court and enforcing its decisions.

He said that, notwithstanding the court’s other challenges, such as financial constraints, like other community institutions, it recorded remarkable milestones the previous year.

The president explained that over the past year, the court registered 34 new cases, held a total of 79 court sessions, and delivered 54 judgments, with 112 cases pending.

Another milestone, he said, was the court’s adoption of an innovative electronic management of cases and the holding of secure virtual hearings, which strengthens access to justice and reduces geographical and logistical constraints.

He said that the court also held a maiden edition of its Moot Court competition for university law students in Nigeria that would later be expanded to other institutions across the sub-region.

Gonçalves stressed that, going forward, one priority that would guide the court’s action in the new legal year would be the expansion of access to justice through the implementation of the electronic case management system.

The second, he said, would be to increase collaboration with national courts, professional associations, and civil society organisations to address challenges and expand access to justice.

“Efficiency, transparency, and accountability will remain at the heart of our concerns,” he added.

Dr Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, said that expanding access to justice for all within the sub-region remained was top priority, and it must transcend borders, language barriers and socio-economic differences.

He described ECOWAS Court as an indispensable pillar in regional integration architecture, ensuring that the rights of our citizens were protected and member states adhered to the principles binding them together.

Touray pledged the commission’s unwavering support to the court, adding that he would work tirelessly with member states, civil society and all stakeholders to enhance the court’s capacity and visibility.

“With regard to the resourcing of the Court, I am glad to report that the Commission is working closely with the Chair of the Council to make additional financial resources available to the Court,” he said.

Touray appealed to member states to give priority to compliance with and the enforcement of the court’s rulings to achieve an integrated West Africa, where the rule of law prevails.

The Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, Memounatou Ibrahima, described the ECOWAS Court as an essential partner in the great project of building a united, peaceful and law-governed West Africa, and pledged collaboration.

She said the court was widely recognised as a pacesetter in judgments that shaped law, protected human rights, and guided states towards peace but has a poor judgment enforcement record.

“Yet, for all these achievements, only about 30 per cent of judgments have been effectively enforced. This gap threatens the credibility of our institution.

“Compliance is not a favour done to this Court. It is the fulfilment of a dignified promise made to the people of West Africa,” she added.

Justice Komba Kamanda, Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice and Chairman, ECOWAS Judicial Council, said that he was already working alongside his colleagues on the possibility of creating an ECOWAS Court of Appeal.

He said the council was already considering updating the procedural rules, to address the challenges of enforcing ECOWAS Court judgements, and deepening the relationship between the court and the council.

“We should also not lose sight of the fact that we need to take the court to the people in the region to get them to understand the nature and workings of the ECOWAS court through deliberate outreach programmes,” he said.

The President of Cape Verde, José Neves, who was a guest, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to regional integration, and determination to pursue the initiatives that strengthen community justice.

“As we open today the legal year of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, we are standing under the banner of justice, which is an intangible force that sustains the order of the world, and gives meaning to the collective life of nations,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Mark Longyen

Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja called for reforms in the ECOWAS Court of Justice to enhance community citizens’ access to justice, and address other contemporary challenges.

The Attorney-General of the Federation , Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, stated this during the ECOWAS Court’s 2025/2026 Legal Year celebration, with theme : “ECOWAS Court and International Law: Expanding Access and Navigating Contemporary Challenges.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Community Court holds its Legal Year annually, which provides a unique opportunity to reflect on its achievements, challenges, and future prospects.

The celebration also serves as a forum for dialogue with stakeholders, including ECOWAS institutions, member states, national courts, bar associations, academics, civil society and development partners.

“Nigeria remains steadfast in its support for the ECOWAS Court of Justice. As the host nation, we recognise the Court’s pivotal role in promoting regional stability, economic integration, and human rights.

“We are committed to working with member states to enhance the Court’s effectiveness, independence, and accessibility.

“In my capacity as Attorney General of the Federation, I pledge to continue advocating for legal reforms that align domestic laws with regional obligations, while also ensuring that such decisions respect our constitutional order and national law.”

Fagbemi described the event’s theme  as “timely and profound,” and an occasion to reflect on the court’s evolving role as a bridge between national legal systems and international norms.

He said the ceremony was also an opportunity to reaffirm shared commitment to justice, integration, and rule of law, adding that the court is the bloc’s guardian of rights and obligations.

“The ECOWAS Court of Justice is a vital institution in the development of international law within West Africa, while the legal year ceremony offers us the opportunity to examine some of the complex and transnational challenges confronting us.

“The Court must therefore be equipped to interpret international laws in ways that protect digital freedoms while respecting national security concerns,” he said.

The minister also urged ECOWAS member states to pursue uniformity in legal standards, enforcement reciprocity, and fair review of judicial performance to address myriad challenges and enhance access to justice.

According to him, ECOWAS’ legal space must not be a patchwork of divergent systems but a harmonised framework that promotes credibility, fairness, and mutual respect.

Fagbemi urged the court to adopt best practises from other regional courts and tribunals, like the European Court of Human Rights, the East African Court of Justice, and the Inter-American Court on Human Rights.

“These institutions offer valuable lessons in transparency, prosperity, innovation, judicial independence, and public opinion. You will all agree with me that comparative learning is not imitation. It is evolution.

“By studying how other regional courts manage appellate review, enforce judgments, engage with civil society, and balance sovereignty with supranational authority, the ECOWAS Court can refine its own processes and strengthen its data,” he said.

While acknowledging ECOWAS’s ongoing initiatives, he urged the Court to institutionalise Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms to expand access to justice, and promote awareness across member states.

“In doing so, it will not only reduce the burden on formal proceedings but also foster a more inclusive and responsive justice system, one that reflects the diverse realities of our region,” he said.

The minister further urged the court to complement the Intergovernmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa, GIABA’s  anti-corrupt, anti-money laundering, and counter-terrorism financing efforts.

“The ECOWAS Court must continue to interpret and enforce legal standards and complement GIABA’s efforts, ensuring that justice systems are not exploited by criminal networks and that financial integrity is preserved across the region,” he added.

Justice Komba Kamanda, Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice and Chairman, ECOWAS Judicial Council, said that he was already working alongside his colleagues on the possibility of creating an ECOWAS Court of Appeal.

He said the council was already considering updating the procedural rules, to address the challenges of enforcing ECOWAS Court judgements, and deepening the relationship between the court and the council.

“We should also not lose sight of the fact that we need to take the court to the people in the region to get them to understand the nature and workings of the ECOWAS court through deliberate outreach programmes,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza