The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice yesterday launched its 2025 sensitisation outreach and external court sessions in Lagos with a call to member states to bring justice out of courtrooms and into the heart of West African communities.
President of the ECOWAS Court, Justice Ricardo Claudio Monteiro Goncalves stated this in a keynote address delivered at the opening ceremony of External Court Session of ECOWAS Court of Justice held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Justice Goncalves declared that justice must no longer be the “language of the privileged” or “a distant dream” but a birthright for every citizen — from the remotest village to the bustling urban centers.
“Justice hidden is justice denied,” Justice Goncalves stated. “We are here not just as officers of the court, but as messengers of change. The time has come to restore hope, build bridges, and serve justice where it is most needed — at the grassroots.”
The event marks the start of a multi-day programme designed to raise awareness about the Court’s role, improve understanding of ECOWAS Community law, and engage directly with legal professionals, students, and citizens.
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The sensitisation initiative precedes the Court’s External Session scheduled to run from May 8 to 16.
Justice Gonçalves highlighted a series of reforms that have modernised the Court’s operations, including the introduction of electronic filing, virtual hearings, and online access to judgments — measures aimed at enhancing transparency, reducing bureaucratic barriers, and connecting even the most disadvantaged citizens to the judicial process.
He also issued direct appeals to stakeholders across the justice sector: urging law schools to integrate ECOWAS legal studies, encouraging lawyers to embrace pro bono work, and calling on judges to uphold judicial independence with integrity.
Governments, he stressed, must cooperate by ratifying and implementing human rights treaties and enforcing court judgments in a timely manner.
As West Africa grapples with complex challenges ranging from human rights enforcement to regional economic integration, he expressed confidence that the outreach would demystify the negatives about ECOWAS Court and empower citizens with the tools to claim their rights under regional law.
“May this be a new awakening, in which all institutions, all professions and all citizens walk together in the light of justice”, he said.
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who chaired the ceremony, affirmed the critical role the ECOWAS Court plays in safeguarding rights and strengthening the rule of law across West Africa.
She emphasized that the Court does not threaten national judiciaries but rather complements them in addressing cross-border challenges such as corruption, terrorism, and human rights violations.
“No single national judiciary can effectively respond to these transnational issues,” she said.
“The ECOWAS Court enhances consistency in the application of regional legal instruments and provides a reliable forum for resolving disputes beyond national jurisdictions.”
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, welcomed the ECOWAS delegation and praised the Court’s decision to host the outreach in Lagos.
He described Lagos as the economic and cultural heartbeat of West Africa.
He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to justice and regional integration, calling the Court’s presence a vital step toward making justice more visible and accessible.
“This event reflects our collective resolve to strengthen institutions and bring justice closer to the people,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said.
“Only through collaboration and a firm commitment to the rule of law can we ensure a peaceful, inclusive West Africa.”
The sensitisation programme continues throughout the week, with public engagements, legal education activities, and the historic external court sessions aimed at fostering deeper ties between regional and national legal systems.
The event drew participants from amongst high-ranking judges, legal practitioners, civil society leaders, students, and members of the diplomatic corps.
The Nation
