Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on legal professionals and civil society groups across West Africa to intensify efforts toward building a more inclusive justice system that guarantees equal access for all, regardless of background or status.
Delivering the keynote address at the opening of a two-day sensitisation mission organised by the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu challenged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to lead by example in the administration of justice and the protection of human rights across the sub-region.
The event, which opened at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, brought together ECOWAS judges, legal experts, and civil rights organisations from member states to deliberate on strengthening regional legal systems.
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Sanwo-Olu stressed that unity among officers of the law was vital for ECOWAS to realise a just, peaceful, and prosperous community.
He urged stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to discussions, enhance regional ties, and harness the sub-region’s vast potential through collaboration and innovation.
“Today’s gathering reflects a shared determination to fortify our legal institutions and make justice more accessible,” the governor said.
“Whether tackling security challenges, economic hurdles or rights violations, our response must be rooted in equity, transparency and a collective commitment to the rule of law.”
He added that the presence of the ECOWAS Court in Lagos underscored the city’s strategic importance and symbolised a wider effort to demystify justice and bring it closer to the people.
Through public engagement and external court sessions, he said, the regional court could strengthen its connection with citizens and national institutions.
The governor also described Lagos as a symbol of ECOWAS unity and progress, citing the state’s status as a hub for trade, investment and cultural integration.
He said the decision to host the event in Lagos reflected a shared goal of deepening regional integration and reinforcing the rule of law.
In his address, President of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, Ricardo Gonçalves argued that justice must no longer be viewed as distant or exclusive.
He said the era of inaccessible and elitist justice systems should end.
“Justice is the birthright of every citizen, whether in bustling cities or remote villages,” he said.
“When access is denied to a farmer due to distance, or a child grows up believing justice is unreachable, we have failed in our duty as custodians of justice.”
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He called on all stakeholders to work together to make justice real and effective at the grassroots level, saying the court’s mission must centre on restoring hope, building trust, and serving the marginalised.
Also speaking, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, described the sensitisation mission as an opportunity for legal practitioners to recommit to the principles of the rule of law and regional integration.
She underscored the importance of judicial cooperation in addressing cross-border crimes and protecting human rights across West Africa.
“Within a region where the ideals of free movement, economic development and political stability are paramount, no national judiciary can function in isolation,” she said.
“Strong collaboration between domestic courts and the ECOWAS Court is vital to ensure justice is fair, predictable, and widely accessible.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun noted that greater cooperation would enhance the interpretation of ECOWAS legal instruments and enable the fight against corruption, terrorism, and trafficking, while also supporting businesses and individuals in resolving regional disputes.
