The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi has urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice to note the distinct legal and constitutional frameworks of member states when issuing judgments.
The AGF made this call on Monday at the opening of the inaugural meeting of ECOWAS Competent National Authorities, held in Lagos.
Fagbemi was represented at the event by Mr. Nnanna Ibom, Director of International and Comparative Law at the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The meeting focused on the enforcement of the Court’s judgments under the theme: ‘Enhancing the Role, Relevance, and Effectiveness of the ECOWAS Court of Justice: Strengthening Synergies Between the Court and Competent National Authorities’.
The AGF expressed concern over the low rate of enforcement of ECOWAS Court decisions, attributing it in part to rulings that may not align with the operational realities of member states.
“It is important for the Court to pay attention to the peculiarities of member states and refrain from issuing orders and judgments that are practically incapable of enforcement,” Fagbemi stated.
He stressed the need for the ECOWAS Court to pursue reforms that respond to the evolving challenges of justice delivery in the region.
According to him, the Court should strengthen its jurisdiction while respecting national legal boundaries to avoid friction with domestic laws.
Fagbemi reaffirmed Nigeria’s strong support for regional judicial cooperation, human rights protection, and the rule of law.
He acknowledged the positive impact of the ECOWAS Court’s jurisprudence on Nigeria’s democratic development and legal accountability.
“I urge all participants to use this platform to share experiences, interrogate best practices, and develop sustainable mechanisms that will enhance respect for and implementation of the Court’s decisions across all member states,” he added.
He also called for the harmonisation of enforcement protocols and a stronger interface between the ECOWAS Court and national judicial institutions.
The AGF commended the leadership of the ECOWAS Court for its efforts in promoting judicial excellence, defending fundamental rights, and facilitating this landmark engagement aimed at reinforcing regional legal cooperation.
