ECOWAS Member States meet in Lagos to tackle poor enforcement of Court judgments and build stronger cooperation with national authorities

ECOWAS Court judgment enforcement received renewed focus in Lagos as Member States gathered for the inaugural meeting of Competent National Authorities responsible for executing rulings of the Community Court of Justice.

Also read: ECOWAS Court wraps up first Moot Competition, confirms yearly schedule

The two-day workshop, which began on 23 June 2025, aims to address the chronic challenge of poor compliance with the Court’s decisions.

The theme of the event, “Enhancing the Role, Relevance, and Effectiveness of the ECOWAS Court of Justice,” reflects the urgency to bridge the gap between the Court and national enforcement bodies.

Delegates from across West Africa are seeking actionable solutions to ensure that judgments are not only issued but effectively implemented.

In his keynote speech, the President of the ECOWAS Court, Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, reaffirmed the legally binding status of the Court’s rulings.

He reminded Member States of their obligation to enforce judgments under Article 24 of the Court’s Protocol, adding that enforcement is crucial for upholding the rule of law and protecting human rights across the region.

Justice Gonçalves acknowledged that while 10 out of 12 countries have designated national enforcement authorities as required, more must be done to ensure full compliance.

He urged all Member States to act swiftly in verifying and enforcing Court writs in line with domestic legal procedures.

Representing Nigeria’s Attorney-General, Mr Nnanna Ibom, Director of International and Compliance Law at the Ministry of Justice, welcomed the initiative.

He described the meeting as a significant step towards regional integration and legal accountability.

“It is imperative that we explore practical strategies to harmonise enforcement protocols and strengthen the interface between the Court and Member States’ justice institutions,” he told participants.

Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, Chief Registrar of the Court, had earlier welcomed the delegates.

He stressed the importance of a collaborative relationship between the Court and national enforcement bodies, pointing out that international tribunals often struggle with poor compliance due to political and legal hurdles at the national level.

Quoting Article 15(4) of the Revised ECOWAS Treaty, Dr Ouro-Sama reminded attendees that the Court’s judgments are binding on states, individuals, and corporate bodies.

He listed key obstacles to enforcement, including lack of legal domestication, weak political will, and the absence of dedicated implementing laws.

The Lagos meeting is expected to lay the groundwork for stronger mechanisms to ensure compliance.

Participants will develop strategies for improved information sharing, legal harmonisation, and sustainable cooperation between the Court and national institutions.

The outcomes of the workshop are set to shape future engagement between ECOWAS justice systems and enforcement authorities, with the long-term goal of enhancing access to justice and respect for human rights throughout the region.