ECOWAS Court Launches Outreach in Lagos, Urges Justice Access for All West Africans

ECOWAS Court Launches Outreach in Lagos, Urges Justice Access for All West Africans

The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice on Monday launched its 2025 sensitisation outreach and external court sessions in Lagos, urging West African governments to make justice more accessible to citizens at the grassroots level.

Speaking during the opening ceremony at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, the President of the ECOWAS Court, Justice Ricardo Claudio Monteiro Goncalves, emphasized the need to bring justice out of elite courtrooms and into everyday communities.

“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 programme marks the beginning of a week-long initiative aimed at raising public awareness about the Court’s mandate, enhancing understanding of ECOWAS laws, and engaging with legal professionals, students and ordinary citizens. The Court’s external sessions are scheduled to run from May 8 to 16.

Justice Goncalves outlined several reforms that have improved access to justice, including e-filing, virtual hearings, and online access to judgments. These innovations are designed to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and connect even remote populations to the judicial system.

He also appealed to stakeholders: urging law schools to teach ECOWAS law, encouraging pro bono legal services, and calling on judges to maintain independence and integrity. Member states, he said, must cooperate by ratifying human rights treaties and enforcing court rulings promptly.

“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 event, reiterated the Court’s vital role in defending human rights and promoting the rule of law across the sub-region. She clarified that the ECOWAS Court does not compete with national judiciaries but rather supports them in tackling cross-border challenges such as terrorism, corruption and human rights abuses.

“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 team, commending the decision to host the outreach in Lagos — a hub of culture and commerce in West Africa. He reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to promoting justice and regional cooperation.

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“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 campaign continues through the week with legal education programmes, public interactions and court sessions designed to build stronger ties between regional and national justice systems.

The launch event drew participants from the judiciary, legal community, civil society, academic institutions and diplomatic missions across West Africa.