Sanwo-Olu urges ECOWAS court to strengthen regional justice system for economic integration
By Sodiq Adelakun
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to reinforce its judicial mechanisms as a pathway to deeper regional integration and sustainable development.
Sanwo-Olu made the call on Monday while delivering his welcome address at the opening ceremony of the Sensitisation Outreach and External Court Sessions of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, held in Lagos.
Emphasising the need for a robust and credible judicial system across West Africa, the governor said such efforts would foster trust among member states and attract more trade and investment into the region.
“Let us use this forum to promote justice, enhance our regional ties, and tap into the incredible potential of our West African community. Let us renew our commitment to safeguarding human rights, bolstering legal systems, and ensuring that everyone, especially the most vulnerable, has access to justice,” he said.
He urged stakeholders to renew their commitment to safeguarding human rights and upholding the rule of law.
Highlighting the value of partnerships in regional governance, the governor praised the collaboration between the ECOWAS Court and institutions such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
“By encouraging collaboration and leveraging innovative partnerships like those between the ECOWAS Court and organisations such as the UNHCR, we can tackle the urgent challenges our region faces and make sure that the ideals of equity, peace, and prosperity are a reality for every citizen,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu also expressed gratitude to the President of the ECOWAS Community Court, Justice Ricardo Goncalves, for choosing Lagos as the host for the sessions.
“Lagos has always been a vital hub for trade, investment, and cultural exchange, embodying the spirit of unity and progress that ECOWAS represents,” the governor noted.
He reaffirmed Lagos State’s dedication to regional cooperation in addressing shared challenges such as security, economic growth, and human rights.
“Only by coming together and dedicating ourselves to the rule of law can we truly build a peaceful, thriving, and inclusive West African community where everyone’s rights are safeguarded and opportunities are plentiful,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu concluded by stressing the importance of public access to justice, stating that, “The presence of the ECOWAS Court in Lagos not only highlights the city’s crucial role in regional matters but also serves as a strong reminder that justice should be accessible, visible, and responsive to the needs of our people.”
Also speaking at the event, human rights lawyer and former President of the ECOWAS Court, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, commended the regional court for its swift judgment delivery and adoption of electronic filing systems.
“Since 2020, following the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of lawyers in the region have not appeared physically in the Air Force Corps. I would like to thank the former leadership of the corps for adopting and introducing the electronic filing system.
“You simply sit down in your office as a lawyer, prepare your papers, and file electronically. You don’t need to travel to Abuja to participate in the proceedings of the Corps.
“You sit down in your office, you also participate in the proceedings. So, I think this is a lot of blessing for us, and for our domestic courts, who can learn from the Air Force Corps,” he said.
The event, which brought together regional legal practitioners, policymakers, and justice stakeholders, marked a renewed commitment to deepening legal cooperation across West Africa.
