“ECOWAS Judicial Council Addresses Unenforceable Judgments: Committees Established by CJN Ariwoola”

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has announced that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Judicial Council is taking steps to address the issue of unenforceable judgments in the region.

This announcement comes in response to concerns raised by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, who urged the ECOWAS Court to refrain from issuing orders and judgments that are practically impossible to enforce.

During a meeting on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, in Abuja, Fagbemi emphasized the need for the ECOWAS Court to pay attention to the peculiarities of member states and to strengthen its jurisdiction while limiting unnecessary conflict with domestic laws.

The CJN, who is also the Chairman of the ECOWAS Judicial Council, stated that the Council would be looking into the issue of enforcement of judgments and has already established committees to tackle the problem.

This move is aimed at ensuring that judgments issued by the ECOWAS Court are effectively implemented and that the court’s authority is respected across the region.

The issue of unenforceable judgments has been a significant concern for many member states, with the President of the ECOWAS Court, Justice Edward Asante, revealing in May 2023 that more than 106 decisions reached by the court, representing 70 percent, were yet to be implemented by the member states.

The establishment of committees by the ECOWAS Judicial Council under the leadership of CJN Ariwoola is a positive step towards addressing this issue and ensuring that the court’s decisions are respected and enforced.

This development is expected to improve the effectiveness of the ECOWAS Court and to enhance the rule of law in the West African region.

As the committees begin their work, the region’s citizens eagerly await the results and hope to see a more efficient and effective judicial system that ensures justice for all.