The Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS, has officially concluded its External Court Session in Lagos, Nigeria, marking the end of a significant judicial mission aimed at bringing regional justice closer to the people.
The closing ceremony, held at the High Court of Lagos, Osborne Annex in Ikoyi, featured a stirring address by the Hon. President of the Court, who hailed the mission as a success and reaffirmed the Court’s commitment to justice, equity, and human rights across the West African sub-region.
In his closing speech, the Hon. President expressed deep gratitude to Almighty God for the smooth and impactful execution of two major activities under the Court’s 2025 work programme: a Sensitization Outreach from May 5–7 at Eko Hotel & Suites and the External Court Session from May 8–16 at the High Court complex.
These initiatives, he noted, are central to the Court’s strategy of promoting judicial awareness and access to justice among indigent citizens of the ECOWAS Community.
“This initiative is rooted in Article 26(2) of the 1991 Protocol on the Court,” the President emphasized, explaining the legal basis for holding sessions in member states.
“By bringing our proceedings closer to the people, we provide access to justice for those who may otherwise never reach the Court’s seat in Abuja.”
The session witnessed the handling of 52 cases, including 37 hearings, 2 rulings, and 13 judgments.
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This contributed to a significant reduction in the Court’s caseload from 97 pending cases at the start of the session to 82. The matters addressed included petitions from a broad range of ECOWAS member states such as Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Senegal, Guinea, and Liberia, as well as cases involving ECOWAS institutions.
The Hon. President paid glowing tribute to the support received from key judicial figures and institutions.
He specifically thanked the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON, for her esteemed presence and support, as well as the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba, for generously providing court facilities and staffing for the event.
He also lauded the efforts of the ECOWAS Court Judges, particularly under the challenge of a reduced bench, and acknowledged the outstanding work of the Judge-Rapporteurs, Registrars, ICT and Protocol Units, and support staff from both the ECOWAS Court and Lagos State Judiciary.
“As we return to our respective destinations,” the President concluded, “we carry with us the satisfaction of having fulfilled a key mandate—to deliver justice to the grassroots. By the authority vested in me, I now declare this External Court Session CLOSED.”
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including the Vice President and Judges of the ECOWAS Court, Judges and Registrars of the Lagos State Judiciary, directors, staff, and members of the press.
The External Session reflects ECOWAS’s continuing commitment to upholding the rule of law and empowering citizens through accessible justice systems.
