The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has declared as unlawful, the removal and replacement of the former ECOWAS Commissioner for Internal Services, Professor Nazifi Abdullahi Darma, in a landmark judgement that has far-reaching implications for regional governance.
The Court ruled that the process that led to Darma’s removal, which was later formalised by the ECOWAS Council of Ministers did not meet the legal requirements under Community law.
Professor Darma made the disclosure while briefing journalists in Abuja. According to him, the dispute arose after an official memo dated 30th October 2025, issued by the then President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray. The circular withdrew responsibilities previously exercised by Darma and initiated steps that eventually led to his replacement.
Darma challenged the actions before the ECOWAS Court on 3rd November 2025. While the case was pending, the Nigerian government subsequently recalled him and nominated a successor. The move was formalised by the Council of Ministers.
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However, the Court found that the legal requirements for ending his mandate had not been satisfied.
The Court further ruled that managerial powers vested in the President of the Commission could not be used to extinguish or transfer responsibilities assigned by Community law to another statutory office.
It also rejected the argument that Nigeria’s recall automatically ended his tenure as Commissioner.
The judgement ordered the payment of outstanding salaries, allowances and accrued entitlements up to the expiration of his tenure, and awarded him $50,000 in general damages.
However, the Court did not order the reinstatement as Darma as his tenure expired on August 31, 2026.
Describing the ruling as significant for regional governance, Darma said it reaffirmed that ECOWAS statutory office holders can only be removed through procedures recognised by Community law.
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(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
