News Agency of Nigeria
ECOWAS to raise 260,000 rapid deployment counter-terrorism force – President
Defence/Security

ECOWAS to raise 260,000 rapid deployment counter-terrorism force – President

270 total views today

Deployment

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced plans to activate a 260,000-strong rapid deployment counter-terrorism brigade to strengthen the fight against terrorism in the subregion.

President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, made this known at the inaugural African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja.

He was represented by Amb. Abdel-Fattah Musah, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, ECOWAS Commission.

Touray said the force would provide logistics and financial support to frontline states, adding that Ministers of Finance and Defence from member countries would meet in Abuja on Friday to finalise modalities for an annual 2.5 billion dollar budget.

“This bold initiative has become necessary given the asymmetric security dynamics in our region.

“We are conscious of the fact that this requires the necessary financial resources and capabilities to make it a reality.

“ECOWAS is therefore throwing the gauntlet to bilateral and multilateral partners to complement this daring regional effort,” he said.

The ECOWAS leader explained that the force would complement the African Union’s standby force framework under the African Peace and Security Architecture.

He stressed that the Sahel region had become the epicentre of global terrorism, accounting for 51 per cent of terrorism deaths worldwide in 2024.

According to him, local communities, women and children in particular, have borne the brunt of state retreats and coercive protection of jihadi forces.

“The war economy from illegal mining and illicit taxation is also worsening insecurity,” he added.

Touray urged the AU and the UN to support regional counter-terrorism operations, reminding participants of the UN Security Council Resolution 2719 of December 2023 which pledged to fund 75 per cent of African-led peace support operations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba
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ECOWAS Chairman solicits support to combat terrorism, enhance democracy
Foreign

ECOWAS Chairman solicits support to combat terrorism, enhance democracy

289 total views today

By Mark Longyen

Chairman ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Sierra Leone’s President Julius Bio, has solicited deeper collaboration with fellow leaders to combat terrorism, enhance democratic governance, and invigorate intra-regional trade.

He also urged member states’ leaders to forge a stronger partnership between ECOWAS and Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, who recently exited ECOWAS and formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

A statement from the State House, Freetown, Sierra Leone, on Saturday said Bio made the appeal in the course of his high-level visits to Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, Cape Verde and Senegal.

He was speaking during audience with presidents Umaro Embaló of Guinea-Bissau; Adama Barrow of The Gambia; Bassirou Faye of Senegal; and Cape Verde Prime Minister José Neves.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visits by Bio, who was recently elected as ECOWAS Chairman, aimed at strengthening subregional collaboration toward addressing the bloc’s critical challenges.

“He stressed the necessity of collective action to overcome challenges that impeded economic integration and undermine peace and security in the subregion.

“The President also highlighted the urgency of bolstering cooperation with all ECOWAS members states, including those in political transition.

“These high-level engagements demonstrate the significance of cohesive leadership in overcoming the challenges facing the ECOWAS community,” the statement said.

Throughout the visits, Bio is said to have expressed his gratitude for the honour done him by his West African counterparts to serve as Chairman during the bloc’s most critical moment.

Bio’s hosts were said to have acknowledged the robust bilateral ties existing between their countries and Sierra Leone, and congratulated him on his election as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority.

The statement further quoted them as reaffirming their commitment to working with Bio to enable him to successfully accomplish his mandate.

It further said that Bio was poised to draw on the experience and insights of previous chairpersons of the ECOWAS Authority to drive meaningful progress.

NAN also reports that the ECOWAS Chairman’s trip follows similar high-level visits to Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

ECOWAS Court delivers 634 judgments, rulings in 24-year span
Foreign

ECOWAS Court delivers 634 judgments, rulings in 24-year span

354 total views today

By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Court of Justice says it has delivered a total of 487 judgments and 147 rulings out of 748 cases filed before it since its inception in 2001.

The Community Court disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja while giving an official update highlighting its 24-year judicial statistics and continued commitment to regional justice, human rights, and the rule of law.

According to the court, the figures underscore its pivotal role as the principal judicial organ for legal redress and human rights protection in the region.

While reinforcing its commitment to regional justice dispensation, the court emphasised that its judgments have had a profound impact across the West African subregion.

“At the end of July, 2025, the Court had delivered a total of 487 judgments and 147 rulings out of 748 cases filed before it since inception in 2001.

“Over the 24-year period, it has held 1,633 court sessions, considered 61 applications for revision of judgment, issued 66 orders, delivered 43 decisions on revisions of judgments, and rendered 8 advisory opinions.

“These figures underscore the Court’s pivotal role as the principal judicial organ for legal redress and human rights protection in the region,” it said in a statement.

The court noted that this year alone from January to July, it registered 34 new cases, delivered 42 judgments, and rendered three rulings across 79 court sessions.

It added that during this period, the court issued four orders and delivered one decision on an application for revision of judgment, while 112 cases were still pending before it.

The court further said that it received no requests for advisory opinions or applications although it continued to receive and register new cases within the said period.

It stressed that within the period under review, the court enriched regional jurisprudence and contributed to ensuring a just and more democratic West Africa.

“By holding member states accountable and providing redress for individuals and communities, the court has contributed to ensuring a more just and democratic region.

“Its jurisprudence has influenced national legal reforms, promoted institutional accountability, and empowered civil society actors to seek judicial redress.

“Under the leadership of Honourable President Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, the Court continues to exemplify the values of equity, fairness and justice for all across member states,” it added.

The Community Court also announced the start of its annual judicial recess, noting that full judicial activities would resume in September.(NAN)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Effective standby force crucial for sub-regional peace, security, devt – ECOWAS
Foreign

Effective standby force crucial for sub-regional peace, security, devt – ECOWAS

289 total views today

By Mark Longyen

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says having a sub-regional Standby Force (ESF) that can be swiftly deployed to quell conflicts is critical to ensuring peace, security, and development.

Amb. Abdel-Fatah Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja at a meeting of the ESF’s police/gendarmerie focal point for peace support operations.

Musah described ESF as a multidimensional force and vital mechanism for regional peace and security architecture designed to swiftly respond to regional conflicts, and an African Standby Force brigade.

He noted that the rapidly changing nature of threats and conflicts has not only made a dynamic and adaptive approach to policing a necessity, but it has underscored the need for combat readiness, cooperation, collaboration, and coordination.

The Commissioner, represented by Dr Sani Adamu, ECOWAS Director of Peacekeeping and Regional Security, therefore, urged participants to leverage their collective strengths and resources to foster a sustainable environment of peace.

“An effective ECOWAS Standby Force supports not just immediate crisis response but also long-term peacebuilding initiatives, creating conditions necessary for economic development and social progress across our region.

“As we refine the operational readiness and effectiveness of the ESF, we must recognise that true security is not only about arms and strategy.

“It is also about leveraging our collective strengths and resources to foster a sustainable environment of peace,” he said.

According to him, the ESF is an investment in a future where the children of community citizens can grow up in a world free from the fear of conflict.

ECOWAS, he said, was a testament to the importance of regional partnerships, bringing together nations under a shared vision of peace and security.

“I therefore urge each of you to actively participate, share your perspectives, and help refine our policing strategy to ensure it meets the highest standards we set for ourselves.

“Our commitments today will pave the way for actionable strategies and tangible outcomes in the field,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by participants from the African Union, ECOWAS, and security officials from its training centres of excellence and institutions. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Expert calls for collaboration among West African tour operators
Culture & Tourism

Expert calls for collaboration among West African tour operators

326 total views today

 

 

 

By Folasade Adeniran

A tourism expert, Mr Ikechi Uko, has urged West African tour operators to collaborate closely to promote travel and tourism within the region and achieve shared objectives.

 

Uko spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the just-concluded eighth edition of the West African Travel Expo (Accraweizo 2025).

 

The event, with the theme, “Reimagining The ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol”, was held in Accra, Ghana, from June 27 to July 1.

 

NAN reports that the event focused on seamless travel in West Africa, exploring its opportunities and challenges.

 

It featured a summit for West African tour operators and transporters.

 

Uko, who organises the annual event, said this year’s edition particularly focused on tour operators because they are the real enablers.

 

“Transporters and tour operators have been the ones sustaining regional travel, but they’ve rarely worked together.

 

“So, we thought, let’s convene them. First, to network. Second, to challenge one another. And third, to get them to take a position on how to improve. That’s how the idea of a tour operators’ summit came about,” Uko explained.

 

Uko commended ECOWAS for its role in the summit.

 

He stated, “We’re happy that one way or another, ECOWAS themselves reached out to us and decided that they are interested in what we are doing.

 

“Over the past years, they have been attempting to engage more with tourism and travel, but mostly at the level of national federations.

 

“Now, they see the value of engaging directly with practitioners. They realised the actual issues with the protocol aren’t entirely ECOWAS’s fault; it’s in the implementation by sovereign states.”

 

According to Uko, ECOWAS has requested a compilation of a report based on the deliberations of the tour operators.

 

“I have asked them to identify five key issues and recommendations.

 

“We don’t want to impose a report from the top; it must be participatory, something they own. Once it’s done, we will present it to the ECOWAS president,” he added.

 

Uko said networking plans were already underway for Accraweizo 2026.

 

“For example, we have 21 tour operators from East Africa planning to come solely to find West African partners. This is how we grow,” he noted.

 

According to him, the goal is to improve travel and tourism growth in West Africa through easy access to towns and cities within the region, improving and simplifying airport and border processes, among other things.

 

“West Africa is the biggest region in Africa, with over 400 million people rich in culture and tourist attractions.

 

“It receives the least number of tourists, yet West African countries generate the highest number of outbound travelers in Africa.

 

“There is a need to encourage West Africans to travel within the region, and this is the goal of Accra Weizo,” Uko highlighted.

 

NAN reports that during the summit, the push for unity and collaboration was reinforced by Yvonne Donkor, President of the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA).

 

She stressed the importance of advocating policies that support cross-border tourism, continuous dialogue among stakeholders, and innovative partnerships that could break down barriers limiting regional travel.

 

Also, Mrs Bolaji Mustapha, President of the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), said that Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are vital for achieving seamless cross-border travel in West Africa.

 

She urged governments in the region to collaborate on infrastructure development, such as border facilities, roads, and transportation systems.

 

She also noted that creating bilingual content collaboration would bridge the region’s language divide.

 

NAN reports that the event drew stakeholders from countries in the region, including Nigeria, Ghana, The Gambia, Togo, Benin Republic, Senegal, and Ivory Coast, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

 

ECOWAS court unveils strategies for stronger judgment enforcement
Foreign

ECOWAS court unveils strategies for stronger judgment enforcement

333 total views today

Enforcement

By Taiye Olayemi

The ECOWAS Court has outlined key strategies aimed at strengthening the enforcement of its judgments across member states.

Mr Gaye Sowe, Acting Deputy Chief Registrar of the ECOWAS Court, disclosed this during a news conference at the close of the two-day inaugural meeting of Competent National Authorities of ECOWAS member states, held in Lagos.

The theme of the meeting was “Enhancing the Role, Relevance, and Effectiveness of the ECOWAS Court of Justice: Strengthening Synergies Between the Court and Competent National Authorities”.

Sowe, who also serves as the Registrar in charge of Appeals, Arbitration, and Enforcement at the ECOWAS Court, stated that the meeting had provided a platform for discussions and practical proposals to address long-standing enforcement challenges.

He said that the meeting agreed on bridging the existing communication gap between the Court and national authorities to foster judgment compliance.

He noted that this became necessary following observations that frequent changes in public office holders had led to communication breakdowns between the Court and national authorities.

He explained that direct engagement with national officials was critical to resolving enforcement bottlenecks, particularly as not all member states had designated the required Competent Authorities to receive and implement the Court’s judgments.

He said that the Court also reached a consensus on developing clear guidelines for the award of reparations and ensuring in-person engagement with Competent National Authorities.

He explained that it was also agreed that the Court would focus on fostering working and lasting relationships with stakeholders across member states.

“These strategies are designed to make the Court’s judgments more impactful and enforceable by improving understanding, coordination, and cooperation between the Court and the designated authorities in each country.

“The challenge of enforcement has persisted for years. What this meeting has done is to provide a platform for legal and technical experts to brainstorm and propose practical solutions,” he added.

Speaking on the Court’s progress, Sowe noted that since the amendment of the Court’s Protocol in 2005, the Court had presided over 400 cases across member states.

He said that 125 of such cases were from Nigeria, out of which 10 judgments had been enforced, 50 were not yet enforced, and 65 were dismissed.

Earlier, the President of the ECOWAS Court, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, said the domestication of the Revised Treaty and the Court’s Protocols remains a critical issue.

He noted that without incorporation into national law, especially in dualist common law countries, the enforcement of the Court’s judgments is greatly limited.

He, however, urged member states to expedite the process to ensure smooth implementation and uphold the Court’s authority.

“Through your candid contributions, we have identified actionable pathways to enhance adherence to the Court’s decisions, ensure consistency in enforcement procedures, equip national authorities with the requisite technical and procedural tools, and build a framework for ongoing collaboration.

“This meeting has fostered a deeper understanding of the obstacles we face and has enabled the sharing of best practices and practical solutions.

“Crucially, it has strengthened the bonds of cooperation between the Court and national authorities, ensuring that our judgments are not merely symbolic, but are effectively translated into real and lasting justice for the peoples of our region.

“I am confident that the knowledge shared and the commitments made during this meeting have sensitized all participants to the legal frameworks, roles, and obligations that underpin the enforcement of the Court’s decisions,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

ECOWAS President wants bloc to tackle integration challenges
Foreign

ECOWAS President wants bloc to tackle integration challenges

265 total views today

By Mark Longyen

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says it is currently facing integration challenges, and seeks to address it by strengthening unity, solidarity, and fraternity within the bloc.

Dr Omar Touray, President of the commission, expressed the fear and plan of action at the 37th ordinary meeting of the ECOWAS Administration and Finance Committee (AFC) held at the commission’s headquarters on Sunday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the AFC’s crucial meeting was held to evaluate the mid-term implementation of the decisions, programmes, projects, and activities of ECOWAS institutions.

Represented by ECOWAS Vice President,  Mrs Damtien Tchintchibidja, Touray said the mid-term implementation of the programmes, and activities of the community’s institutions aimed at evaluating ECOWAS’ difficult financial situation.

He said the meeting would also delve into how to minimise the negative effects of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger’s withdrawal from ECOWAS to preserve the gains of 50 years of integration.

The president said that the AFC session would also update member states on the progress made on the state of recruitment within the commission’s institutions.

“As you know, our organisation is currently going through an existential crisis and in such circumstances, we must sit down together, pose and examine the problems and challenges facing us.

“Our organisation is at a crossroads, and this calls for a strong capacity to overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of integration and to project ourselves into the future.

“But beyond all that, we must be aware and recognise that our strength lies in unity, solidarity and fraternity, moving forward together on the road to development, in peace and stability,” he said.

Touray said one lesson learnt from ECOWAS’ recent fiftieth anniversary and the recent withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger was the need to speed up institutional, organisational, political and security reforms.

He said it was in light of the intended reforms that the commission, in accordance with the decisions of the Heads of State and Government, would soon be convening a summit on the future of ECOWAS.

“Prior consultations will be organised, including with young people and women, to take into account all the needs for the future of the community.

“I would like to remind you that ECOWAS is in all of us: you here today, me, and all the citizens of our community space.

“It lives through our collective commitment, our solidarity, our fraternity and our shared desire to build a more prosperous and forward-looking region,” he added.

Also speaking, Prof. Nazifi Darma, ECOWAS Commissioner for Internal Services, said the evolving dynamics of global aid and financing necessitated the commission’s recent decision to procure new communications infrastructure.

He, therefore, urged member states to rethink resource generation and utilisation, adding that the newly acquired equipment would help to modernise the commission’s communication operations.

“Donor support is diminishing in the new world order. We must begin to explore indigenous, creative approaches to finance and service delivery within the region,” he said.

Amb. Olawale Awe, AFC Chairman, emphasised the need for proactive measures to address pressing issues, such as staffing gaps across ECOWAS institutions, and the community levy following the Sahel State’s withdrawal.

“We must act decisively to fill these institutional voids to maintain the momentum of our mandate.

“The Commission cannot afford stagnation at a time when the region demands progress,” said.

NAN reports that the event was attended by distinguished ECOWAS dignitaries, including commissioners, parliamentarians, the Community Court, resident representatives, heads of ECOWAS institutions and agencies, among others. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

ECOWAS Court pledges to deepen academic, youth engagement
Foreign

ECOWAS Court pledges to deepen academic, youth engagement

304 total views today

By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Court has pledged to deepen its engagement with the subregion’s youths and academic institutions to ensure a robust legal culture of justice, human rights and rule of law.

The President of the Court, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, said this at the end of the maiden edition of the Moot Court competition of the Community Court on Saturday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, which began on Wednesday, had as its theme: “Promoting Regional Integration and Human Rights through Judicial Processes in West Africa.”

The competition brought together West African law students to simulate proceedings before the court, offering them first hand exposure to an international tribunal’s working and the opportunity to refine their advocacy skills.

Gonçalves said that the community court had resolved to make the competition an annual flagship programme.

He also said that future editions of the competition would be expanded to include universities from all ECOWAS member states to truly reflect the bloc’s diversity and unity.

The court’s president explained that through such engagement, the court would demystify its work and plant the seeds of a robust regional legal culture that values justice, human rights, cooperation and rule of law.

“This event has made one thing abundantly clear; that the time has come for the ECOWAS Court of Justice to deepen its engagement with academic institutions and the youth of our region.

“In light of the overwhelming success of this pilot edition, I am pleased to announce that the court has resolved to make the Moot Court Competition an annual flagship programme.

“Future editions will expand to include universities across all ECOWAS Member States, truly reflecting the diversity and unity of our region,” he said.

Earlier in a vote of thanks, the court’s Vice President, Justice Sengu Koroma, said the event aimed to create a platform for legal education, engagement and excellence among the region’s future legal minds.

He also said that mooting was a portal through which students could fully immerse themselves in the environment of ethical considerations and protocols of a real courtroom.

Koroma lauded the participating universities and their students, adding that their intellect, composure, and advocacy made the institutions proud and gave the court great hope in the future of regional justice.

“Today, as we conclude the finals of this historic competition, we do so with immense pride and gratitude, having witnessed the vision come to life in a truly remarkable fashion.

“To the students—you are the stars of this event.

” Your hard work, enthusiastic participation, dedication and legal acumen have made this moot competition a success.

“We wish each of you success in your future endeavours and hope that this competition has fostered not only legal proficiency but also a lifelong commitment to justice,” he added.

NAN reports that the highpoint of the event was the announcement of the winners of the competition and award of certificates for various categories to them.

Two Nigerian universities, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria and University of Jos, won the overall best prize and runner up prize, taking home N5 million and N3 million respectively.

Two of the students, Nicholas Ochojila and Diretkinan Dashi, both from the University of Jos, expressed their gratitude to the ECOWAS Court for the opportunity to participate in the competition.

They said that the event was a good outing for the university, which came second, narrowly losing to ABU by one point, and producing the overall best oralist award winner through Ochojila. (NAN)

Edited by Mufutau Ojo

ECOWAS Court tasks law students on strengthening jurisprudence
Foreign

ECOWAS Court tasks law students on strengthening jurisprudence

351 total views today

By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Court has called on West African universities’ law students participating in its inaugural Moot Court competition to deepen their jurisprudence and regional legal frameworks understanding to become better lawyers.

Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, President of the Court, represented by Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, the Chief Registrar, threw the challenge to the participants during the orientation session of the moot court.

He explained that the orientation programme was an opportunity for the students to also better understand the court’s mission and mandate by interacting directly with the court’s personnel at all levels.

“It is an opportunity for you to better understand the mission and mandate of the ECOWAS Court, to deepen your engagement with regional legal frameworks, and interact directly with the Chief Registrar, the directors, the lawyers of the Community Court of Justice, the Excellencies, judges, and fellow law students.

“As future advocates, judges and policy makers, your participation in this Moot Court reflects a shared dedication to upholding justice, fostering regional cooperation, and advancing  legal excellence across West Africa.

“As we commence this interactive session, may it inspire collaboration, stimulate critical thoughts, and reinforce the vital role of justice in building a peaceful and unified West Africa,” he said.

The Community Court President said that he was very impressed by the law students’ legal arguments, court cases, and all their demonstrations during the opening session of the moot court competition.

According to him, their sterling performance gives the court joy and hope that the future generation is moving forward to perhaps do more than what they are doing today.

He said the orientation session was pivotal to provide participants with more clarity about the court, while their presence demonstrated a shared commitment to excellence, dialogue and the advancement of regional jurisprudence.

“Now, we wish that you keep it up in order to ensure that you have a bright  legal career after your legal  studies in the university,” he added.

Also speaking, Mr Ghislain Agbozo, ECOWAS Court’s Principal Research Officer, gave a presentation to clarify the court’s Jurisdiction, Protocol, Articles, Access, and Admissibility, among others.

He explained that the ECOWAS Court has  one Protocol, which was  adopted on the 6th of July, 1991, and was amended  on the 19th of Jan., 2005 as its Supplementary Protocol.

Agbozo said that Article 9.4 of the court’s Protocol regarding jurisdiction on human rights cases stipulates that the court has jurisdiction to determine cases of violation of human rights that occur within any member state’s territory.

He further explained that in human rights cases, the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain a dispute  between individuals, that is, an individual suing another individual, as well as non-state actors like corporations.

“First, the source of human rights obligation within ECOWAS is the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights  and the human rights instrument adopted under the auspices of the United Nations to which member states are parties.

“The court has jurisdiction over the member states if It has signed a supplementary protocol  of 19th January 2005 and has ratified the universal  or African human rights instruments invoked.

“Only member states can be brought before the Court of Human Rights violation because member states are the sole parties to the regional and the universal instruments which the court has jurisdiction over,” he said.

On admissibility, he explained that the pendency of the same suit before a domestic court or an international court of equal jurisdiction cannot oust the court’s competence to determine the case on alleged human rights violation.

“The court also has consistently held its position that there is no need to exhaust local remedy before bringing an action before the court,” Agbozo stressed.

Mr Yusuf Danmadami, ECOWAS Court’s Senior Legal Officer, described the court as the principal judicial organ of ECOWAS, which was established to ensure the interpretation and application of the ECOWAS Treaty.

He said the court represented a significant achievement in enhancing West African and African regional integration framework, having established itself as an institution for protecting human rights, and promoting the Rule of Law.

“The mission and vision of the court is to remain an independent, reliable, efficient, and accessible legal and judicial institution of the community playing a strategic role in establishing, sustaining and enabling the legal environment for the achievement of community aims and objectives.

“Now the mission of the court is to remain an independent, reliable, efficient and accessible legal and judicial institution of the community playing a strategic role in establishing a sustaining and enabling legal environment for the achievement of community  aims and objectives,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that four Nigerian universities qualified for the semi-final round of the moot court competition which was due to take place later on Friday.

They are the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, the University of Jos, the Lagos State University and the University of Uyo.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

ECOWAS Court inaugurates moot court competition for W/African law students
Foreign

ECOWAS Court inaugurates moot court competition for W/African law students

378 total views today

By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Court of Justice on Wednesday inaugurated a moot court competition for W/African law students aimed at fostering legal interaction and empowering the youth in the subregion.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had as its theme: “Promoting Regional Integration and Human Rights Through Judicial Processes in West Africa.”

The competition brought together West African law students to simulate proceedings before the court, offer them first hand exposure to an international tribunal’s working, and the opportunity to refine their advocacy skills.

The Community Court’s President, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, while declaring the event opened, described it as a landmark initiative in advancing legal education and regional integration in West Africa.

He emphasised that the event was an embodiment academic exercise, and a strategic platform for building a more engaged, informed, and cohesive legal community across the subregion.

According to him, the ECOWAS Court is the principal judicial organ of ECOWAS, which is tasked with delivering justice and fostering judicial understanding and accessibility.

“This moot court competition reflects our enduring commitment to public engagement and nurturing the next generation of legal minds.

“Regional integration is not solely an economic or political pursuit, it is also a legal one. It is built on institutions that are transparent, fair, and accessible to all,” Gonçalves said.

The President highlighted the initiative’s aims, which, he said, included deepening participants’ knowledge of the ECOWAS Court’s mandate and its contributions to regional peace, human rights, and integration.

He noted that the competition was also designed to sharpen the advocacy, research, and legal writing skills of aspiring lawyers, and tools that were critical both in the courtroom and in public service.

The court’s president explained that the competition also aimed at raising awareness about the court’s work throughout the region and to build public trust in regional justice mechanisms.

Gonçalves added that the event also served as a unique opportunity to foster meaningful connections among students, academics, legal practitioners, and ECOWAS institutions.

“This event is both timely and transformative, this is your moment. Be bold in legal reasoning, rigorous in your arguments, and be always guided by ethics.

“This contest is not just about winning; it is about shaping jurists who are critical thinkers and champions of justice.

“May this competition inspire a new generation to uphold the ideals of justice, solidarity, and integration in West Africa, and may the best team win,” he said.

He said the maiden edition of the competition, which featured eight Nigerian universities, would be an annual event, eventually expanding to all West African universities’ law faculties.

Speaking earlier, the court’s Chief Registrar, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, described the event as a “historic moment” that would enrich legal education, promote youth engagement, regional integration, and justice advancement.

He said that the competition was also a practical learning platform that reflected real courtroom procedures.

“This moot court is more than a competition. It is a vital educational tool that cultivates critical thinking, advocacy, and a deep respect for due process.

“To our participants, may this experience inspire you, challenge you, and deepen your commitment to justice,” he said.

NAN reports that the participating universities were selected from thirteen institutions which had earlier applied and chosen based on their outstanding performances in the memorial submission stage.

The highpoint of the event, which was attended by judges, academics, legal professionals, university representatives, among others, was the official opening of the moot court competition among the participating universities. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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