- West African judges, civil society groups convene in Lagos for regional outreach
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on legal practitioners and civil rights groups in the West African community to dedicate efforts towards pursuing an inclusive legal system that will protect, strengthen the rights and ensure equal access to justice for all individuals in member states, regardless of their background or circumstances.
The Governor said the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) should be the beacon for other regional bodies in the administration of justice and show exemplary leadership in protecting the rights of the populace seeking justice.
Sanwo-Olu said only when officers at the temple of justice come together and dedicate themselves to the rule of law would ECOWAS truly build a peaceful, thriving and inclusive community where opportunities would be abundant and people’s rights safeguarded.
The Governor delivered the keynote address at the opening session of the two-day sensitisation mission organised by ECOWAS Court of Justice. The event, holding at Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, is being attended by ECOWAS judges, legal professionals and civil society groups across the West African community.
Sanwo-Olu told the participants to contribute their ideas to discussions with a collective sense of purpose, urging them to use the forum to promote justice, enhance regional ties and tap into the incredible potential abound in the sub-region.
He said: “Today’s gathering reflects the spirit of collaboration and resolution as we join forces to strengthen our institutions and bring justice closer to the people we serve. We understand that the contemporary challenges we face, whether related to security, economic growth or human rights, demand collaboration, innovation, and a firm dedication to the principles of justice and equity.
“The presence of the ECOWAS Court in Lagos not only highlights the city’s crucial role in regional matters but also serves as a strong reminder that justice should be accessible, visible and responsive to the needs of our people. Through outreach initiatives and external court sessions, we are bringing the mechanisms of regional justice closer to our citizens, improving public understanding of the court’s mission, and strengthening the connections between our national institutions and the ECOWAS Court.
“Let us renew our commitment to safeguarding human rights, bolstering legal systems, and ensuring that everyone, especially the most vulnerable, has access to justice. By encouraging collaboration and leveraging innovative partnerships, we can tackle the urgent challenges our region faces and make sure that the ideals of equity, peace and prosperity are a reality for every citizen.”
Sanwo-Olu said Lagos had been a vital hub for trade, investment and cultural exchange, noting that the State embodied the spirit of unity and progress which ECOWAS represented.
The Governor said the choice of hosting the event in Lagos highlighted collective dedication to enhancing regional integration, reinforcing the rule of law, while ensuring access to justice for West Africa citizens.
ECOWAS Community Court President, Hon. Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, said the long period during which justice was seen as distant, slow or inaccessible should be over, stressing that justice should not be an ornament reserved for the elite.
He said: “Justice should not be a distant dream out of sight and out of reach. Justice is the birthright of all citizens, from the busiest cities to the most remote villages. Justice hidden is justice denied. When a farmer is denied a fair hearing because of distance; when a child grows up believing that the law and justice are beyond their reach, then we, as guardians of justice, will have failed to uphold our oath.
“So we must join forces to make justice a reality for everyone: the farmer in the countryside, the shopkeeper in the market, the mother in the village and the young people in the city. Our mission is clear: to restore hope, build bridges and serve justice where it is most needed — at the grassroots.”
Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, said the sensitisation mission had become a platform to reaffirm legal professionals’ commitment to the rule of law, regional integration and the role of the judiciary in upholding justice across our sub-region.
She noted that ECOWAS Court stood as a pillar of accountability and a guardian of rights within the West African Community, pointing out that the sensitisation programme sought to deepen public awareness of the court’s mandate and to foster a broader appreciation of the relevance of ECOWAS Community law.
“Judicial cooperation is the cornerstone of legal integration in any regional community. Within ECOWAS, where the ideals of free movement, economic development, and political stability are essential goals, our legal systems must operate in harmony. No single national judiciary can effectively respond to the challenges of cross-border crimes, regional disputes, or transnational human rights concerns.”
“The collaboration between national courts and the ECOWAS Court is indispensable. It enhances the interpretation and consistent application of ECOWAS legal instruments and facilitates cooperation in the fight against corruption, terrorism, and trafficking. It also ensures that individuals and businesses are afforded credible access to justice when faced with regional legal challenges and provides the framework for resolving cross-border commercial and human rights disputes in a fair and predictable manner,” she said.
