The Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice to carry out reforms to address challenges in delivering justice in the region, News About Nigeria reports.
He stated this at the Statutory ECOWAS Judicial Council meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, urging the court to strengthen its jurisdiction while limiting unnecessary conflict with the domestic laws of member states.
Fagbemi noted that the Court needed to adopt strategies that would ensure that its jurisdiction is strengthened while appreciating the jurisdictional boundaries of the Court and limiting unnecessary conflict with the domestic laws of member states.
He called on the ECOWAS Court of Justice to refrain from issuing orders and judgements that are impossible to enforce.
“It is important for the Court to pay attention to the peculiarities of member states and refrain from issuing orders and judgements that are practically incapable of enforcement. There is also a dire need to promote and deepen alternative dispute resolution measures within the region,” he said.
Fagbemi also maintained that continuous reforms will aid in managing the challenges that come with the delivery of justice.
“It is therefore critical that the Community Court of Justice continues to undergo necessary reforms to bring it in tandem with the current exigencies and manage the challenges associated with justice delivery in the region,” he added.
Recall that during the first regular session of the 5th Economic Community of West African States Parliament in Abuja, the President of the Court, Edward Asante, stated that more than 106 decisions reached by the Court, representing 70 percent, are yet to be implemented by the member states.
