ECOWAS Court Brings Justice to the People Through Lagos Sensitisation Campaign
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice kicked off its 2025 Sensitisation Outreach and External Court Sessions in Lagos, championing a bold message: justice must be accessible to every West African citizen, not just the privileged few.
Speaking at the opening ceremony held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Court President Hon. Justice Ricardo Claudio Monteiro Gonçalves declared the initiative a step toward breaking barriers between courts and communities.
“Justice must no longer be a distant dream,” he said. “We are here not merely as judges, but as agents of change. Justice should be visible, tangible, and available — especially at the grassroots.”
The sensitisation campaign aims to raise public awareness of the Court’s mandate, promote understanding of ECOWAS Community law, and directly engage with lawyers, students, and citizens. It precedes a week-long External Court Session scheduled from May 8 to 16.
Justice Gonçalves also outlined recent innovations within the Court, such as electronic filing, virtual hearings, and online access to rulings — all intended to improve transparency and reach. He urged stakeholders to join the cause: law schools to teach ECOWAS law, lawyers to support access to justice, and governments to uphold the Court’s decisions and human rights treaties.
Nigeria’s Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Kudirat M.O. Kekere-Ekun, who chaired the ceremony, underscored the Court’s role in complementing national judiciaries and addressing cross-border issues like terrorism, corruption, and rights violations.
“No national judiciary can tackle these challenges alone,” she noted. “The ECOWAS Court strengthens regional legal cooperation and offers a vital platform for transnational justice.”
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, welcomed the delegation, calling Lagos a fitting venue for the outreach. He praised the Court’s commitment to regional integration and citizen empowerment.
“This outreach affirms our shared dedication to building stronger institutions and making justice more accessible,” the Governor said.
Throughout the week, the programme will feature public forums, legal education sessions, and the landmark external hearings — all aimed at strengthening the bond between ECOWAS and national legal systems.
With participation from top judges, legal experts, civil society, and diplomats, the outreach represents a significant step in demystifying regional justice and helping ordinary people claim their rights.
As Justice Gonçalves concluded: “Let this be a new beginning — where every citizen walks forward in the light of justice.”