By Mark Longyen
ECOWAS Court President, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, says the Court’s Strategic Plan 2026–2030 aligns with the bloc’s Vision 2050, which aims at advancing West Africa’s integration, good governance, and the rule of law.
Gonçalves made this known while declaring open a four-day workshop on the operationalisation of the court’s new Strategic Plan on Wednesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event aims to address institutional reforms required to embed the new strategic roadmap into its daily operations, focusing on strengthening governance structures.
According to him, the plan provides a clear roadmap for strengthening judicial efficiency, expanding access to justice, enhancing transparency, modernising institutional systems, and reinforcing public trust in the court.
“The Strategic Plan 2026-2030 aligns with the ECOWAS Vision 2050 because the court plays a central role in advancing good governance, the rule of law and regional integration,” he said.
He said that while the unveiling of the initiative marked a significant milestone, the workshop’s focus on its operationalisation was the beginning of a new chapter in the court’s institutional development.
The Community Court President said the plan’s true value would be determined by its implementation and ability to transform the way the court operates, serves community citizens and other stakeholders.
“We need a new institutional mindset: from routine to performance, from processes to results, from silos to collaboration, and from reaction to strategy.
“This cultural transformation will be critical to the success of the Strategic Plan,” he stated.
Gonçalves also urged staff members to embrace a culture of collective “responsibility, performance and collaboration” toward achieving the objectives of the new strategic plan.
Mamadu Baldé, ECOWAS Commission’s Head of Strategic Planning, Programming and Coordination, while presenting ECOWAS’ Vision 2050 framework, highlighted the strong alignment between the plan and the broader ECOWAS strategic framework.
He described ECOWAS Vision 2050 as the Community’s long-term blueprint for a fully integrated, peaceful, and prosperous West Africa, founded on strong institutions, respect for fundamental rights, and sustainable development.
“The ECOWAS Court’s objectives directly support Pillar Two of Vision 2050 on Governance and Rule of Law, and contributes to Community outcomes relating to judicial effectiveness, accountability, legal harmonisation, and human rights protection,” he said.
Earlier in his address of welcome, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, the court’s Chief Registrar and Chairman of the Strategic Plan Technical Committee, described the event as a significant milestone in strengthening the court’s institutional effectiveness.
“The successful implementation of this Strategic Plan will require shared ownership, clearly defined responsibilities, timelines, measurable performance indicators, robust monitoring systems, and sustained collaboration across all departments of the court,” he emphasised.
Mrs Margaret Azinkpali, the court’s Acting Principal Officer, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, explained that the workshop was designed to transform the new initiative from vision to implementation.
She described the initiative as a practical and living framework intended to guide the court’s work, decision-making, resource allocation, and performance measurement over the next five years.
“The workshop will establish the institutional frameworks, implementation tools, accountability frameworks, and monitoring mechanisms required for effective execution, while its success depends on clear ownership, measurable targets, and performance-driven implementation,” she said.
NAN reports that the new initiative mirrors the court’s commitment to an efficient, transparent, innovative, and impactful regional judicial institution, while advancing rule of law, human rights protection, and regional integration.
By enhancing judicial efficiency, improving access to justice, and strengthening institutional performance, the court is expected to contribute more effectively to the realisation of ECOWAS Vision 2050(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
