Lagos: The President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Justice Ricardo Cl¡udio Monteiro Gon§alves, along with an advance delegation, visited Lagos in preparation for the Court’s forthcoming External Court Sessions and a sensitization campaign. These events are scheduled to take place from May 5 to 7 and May 8 to 16, 2025, in Lagos.
According to Ghana News Agency, on April 30, Justice Ricardo paid a courtesy visit to Honourable Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, at the premises of the Lagos High Court. During the meeting, both judicial leaders engaged in discussions about legal collaboration, institutional challenges, and the role of regional justice mechanisms in West Africa.
Justice Alogba expressed his appreciation for the visit, regarding it as an honor to host such a distinguished judicial institution. He praised the ECOWAS Court for its commitment to justice in the sub-region and emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration and exchanges between national and regional judicial bodies. He also provided an overview of recent developments within the Lagos State Judiciary, highlighting its expansion and plans for new court establishments.
Addressing the enforcement of regional court decisions, Justice Alogba acknowledged the challenges posed by diverse political climates but reiterated the necessity of respecting international charters. He underscored the crucial role of judicial bodies like the ECOWAS Court in ensuring legal accountability.
In response, President Ricardo, accompanied by Vice President Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma and Chief Registrar Dr. Yaouza Ouro-Sama, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and support. He extended an invitation to Justice Alogba for the opening ceremony of the ECOWAS Court’s next judicial year and acknowledged the withdrawal of three member states from ECOWAS, which has reduced the number of participating states in the Court.
The President described the upcoming sensitization campaign in Lagos, scheduled for early May 2025, as a significant effort to increase public awareness about the Court’s role and improve access to regional justice.
