The President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Hon. Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, has called for bold institutional reforms, enhanced collaboration, and a shift in internal culture as the Court concluded its 17th Administrative and Budgetary Retreat in Nasarawa State.
Addressing participants at the close of the week-long retreat, Justice Gonçalves began with a solemn tribute to the late Mr. Victor Goloto, a staff member of the Court, before commending attendees for their dedication to reviewing the 2025 budget performance and laying the groundwork for the 2026 financial year.
Despite the challenges of regional instability and budgetary constraints, the Court President struck a tone of determination and accountability.
He cautioned staff against a culture of dependency, stressing that many of the delays in the Court’s operations stem from internal inefficiencies rather than funding alone.
“We must take ownership of our roles and embrace innovation,” said Justice Gonçalves, calling for greater cross-departmental coordination and urging senior management to expedite implementation of key initiatives.
These include the publication of legal documents, development of internal policy frameworks, and the establishment of a Legal Aid Fund to support access to justice.
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The President also assured staff that, despite financial tightening, all salaries and entitlements for 2025 would remain intact.
He acknowledged the budgetary impact of the recent withdrawal of three ECOWAS member states, but affirmed the Court’s continued operational stability and commitment to its mandate.
Justice Gonçalves identified the Electronic Case Management System as a strategic priority for improving judicial efficiency and expanding access to justice throughout the region.
In his closing remarks, he encouraged participants to return to Abuja with renewed purpose.
“We must build a stronger, more effective Court, ever at the service of justice in our Community,” he said.
Vice President of the Court, Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma, also lauded the participants’ engagement and contributions, describing the retreat as a vital opportunity to reflect, recalibrate, and plan effectively in the face of regional transitions.
The retreat gathered judges, senior officials, and administrative staff of the ECOWAS Court for a period of reflection, strategy, and adaptation to the changing dynamics of the West African region.
