Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has urged the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice to develop clear procedures that will make its judgements enforceable across the West African sub-region.
Justice Kekere-Ekun made the call in Abuja on Tuesday during a meeting with a delegation of judges of the Court, led by its President, Justice Ricardo Goncalves.
According to Justice Goncalves, nearly 80% of the court’s judgements remain unenforced, largely due to lack of political will and administrative challenges in member-states, stressing that Nigeria’s compliance would set a powerful example, encouraging other ECOWAS countries to follow suit.
While commending the court for its landmark decisions, particularly on fundamental human rights, Justice Kekere-Ekun noted that although the judiciary plays a role, the responsibility for enforcement rests mainly with the executive arm of government.
She therefore advised the court to use its Bilateral Meeting on the Status of Judgements to develop a uniform enforcement framework and to consult widely with key stakeholders in reviewing existing guidelines.
The Chief Justice also pledged Nigeria’s continued support to the ECOWAS Court, especially in the area of judicial training through the National Judicial Institute, NJI.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
