Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged legal experts and civil rights organisations across West Africa to work towards building a more inclusive legal system—one that guarantees equal access to justice and safeguards the rights of every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Speaking on Monday at the opening session of a two-day sensitisation programme organised by the ECOWAS Court of Justice, the governor emphasised the need for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to lead by example in upholding justice and human rights across the region.
The event, held in Victoria Island, Lagos, witnessed the gathering of judges, legal practitioners, and civil society representatives from various ECOWAS member states.
Sanwo-Olu encouraged all participants to engage in meaningful dialogue during the forum, stressing the importance of using the platform to foster justice, strengthen regional cooperation, and harness the immense potential within the sub-region. Last draft
Sanwo-Olu Advocates For an Inclusive Justice System
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on legal practitioners and civil rights groups in the West African community to dedicate efforts towards pursuing an inclusive legal system that will protect and strengthen the rights and ensure equal access to justice for all individuals in member states, regardless of their background or circumstances.
The governor said the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) should be the beacon for other regional bodies in the administration of justice and show exemplary leadership in protecting the rights of the populace seeking justice.
Sanwo-Olu stated this on Monday in his keynote address at the opening session of the two-day sensitisation mission organised by the ECOWAS Court of Justice.
The event, held in Victoria Island, Lagos, was attended by ECOWAS judges, legal professionals and civil society groups across the West African community.
Sanwo-Olu told the participants to contribute their ideas to discussions with a collective sense of purpose, urging them to use the forum to promote justice, enhance regional ties and tap into the incredible potential abounding in the sub-region.
“Today’s gathering reflects the spirit of collaboration and resolution as we join forces to strengthen our institutions and bring justice closer to the people we serve. We understand that the contemporary challenges we face, whether related to security, economic growth or human rights, demand collaboration, innovation and a firm dedication to the principles of justice and equity,” Sanwo-Olu said.
“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. Through outreach initiatives and external court sessions, we are bringing the mechanisms of regional justice closer to our citizens, improving public understanding of the court’s mission, and strengthening the connections between our national institutions and the ECOWAS Court.
“Let us renew our commitment to safeguarding human rights, bolstering legal systems, and ensuring that everyone, especially the most vulnerable, has access to justice. By encouraging collaboration and leveraging innovative partnerships, 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.”
The President of the ECOWAS Community Court, Hon. Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, emphasised that the era when justice was perceived as slow, remote, or out of reach must come to an end.
He underscored that justice should not be a privilege reserved for the elite but a right accessible to all.
“Justice should not be a distant dream out of sight and out of reach. Justice is the birthright of all citizens, from the busiest cities to the most remote villages. Justice hidden is justice denied. When a farmer is denied a fair hearing because of distance, when a child grows up believing that the law and justice are beyond their reach, then we, as guardians of justice, will have failed to uphold our oath.
“So we must join forces to make justice a reality for everyone: the farmer in the countryside, the shopkeeper in the market, the mother in the village and the young people in the city. Our mission is clear: to restore hope, build bridges and serve justice where it is most needed — at the grassroots,” Gonçalves said.
In her remarks, the Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, stated that the sensitisation mission has become a vital platform for reaffirming the dedication of legal professionals to the rule of law, regional integration, and the judiciary’s essential role in delivering justice across the sub-region.
She highlighted the ECOWAS Court as a pillar of accountability and a protector of rights within the West African Community.
According to her, the sensitisation programme aims to enhance public understanding of the Court’s mandate and promote greater recognition of the significance of ECOWAS Community law.
Kekere-Ekun said, “Judicial cooperation is the cornerstone of legal integration in any regional community. Within ECOWAS, where the ideals of free movement, economic development, and political stability are essential goals, our legal systems must operate in harmony. No single national judiciary can effectively respond to the challenges of cross-border crimes, regional disputes, or transnational human rights concerns.”
“The collaboration between national courts and the ECOWAS Court is indispensable. It enhances the interpretation and consistent application of ECOWAS legal instruments and facilitates cooperation in the fight against corruption, terrorism, and trafficking.
“It also ensures that individuals and businesses are afforded credible access to justice when faced with regional legal challenges and provides the framework for resolving cross-border commercial and human rights disputes in a fair and predictable manner.”
