By MARK LONGYEN

The ECOWAS Court of Justice on Friday in Abuja unveiled its Strategic Plan for 2026 to 2030, which provides a comprehensive roadmap to guide its operations over the next five years.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative marks a significant milestone in the court’s efforts to strengthen regional justice delivery, enhance human rights protection, and rule of law.

It also outlines key priorities aimed at improving judicial efficiency, expanding access to justice for community citizens, strengthening regional legal harmonisation, enhancing institutional capacity, deepening transparency and stakeholder engagement.

The unveiling of the initiative, titled: “Justice 2030,” reflects the court’s determination to consolidate past achievements and position itself to effectively respond to the evolving justice needs of the sub-region.

The Court’s President, Justice Ricardo Goncalves, while unveiling the plan, described it as a concrete commitment to institutional transformation, efficiency, and making real impact on community citizens’ lives.

He said it was also a clear affirmation of the collective resolve to strengthen the court’s role as a guarantor of the rule of law, promoter of justice, and vital pillar of regional integration.

“This moment is not merely symbolic. Above all, it represents a turning point. It is a clear affirmation of our collective resolve to strengthen the role of the Court as a guarantor of the rule of law, a promoter of justice, and a vital pillar of regional integration in West Africa,” he said.

Goncalves, however, noted that no plan, however well designed, can be realised without coordinated action, institutional discipline, and a strong sense of individual responsibility.

He said that to realise such objectives, the court’s judges, staff members and other stakeholders must all work in synergy.

“The Judges of this Court are the guardians of its integrity and credibility. They are called upon, not only to decide with independence and rigour, but also to lead by example.

“They are expected to reinforce the quality of jurisprudence, promote consistency in decisions, and contribute to a system of justice that is accessible, expeditious, and respected.

“Judicial leadership must be proactive, strategic, and responsive to regional realities,” he said.

Goncalves described the court’s staff as the backbone of the institution, noting that administrative efficiency, effective case management, technical rigour, and strong service culture were indispensable to the plan’s success.

“Every department, every division, every unit, and every staff member has a direct role to play in achieving the strategic objectives. Institutional excellence is built daily through discipline, innovation, and a commitment to results.

“The old way of working, mechanically repeating the same tasks, often making the same mistakes, and offering the same excuses, must, quite frankly, become a thing of the past,” he warned.

He solicited the support of stakeholders, including Member States, ECOWAS institutions, legal networks, development partners, and civil society, to make the plan successful, stressing that the court does not operate in isolation.

“Its relevance depends on the active collaboration of these actors in the enforcement of decisions, legal harmonisation, capacity building, and the promotion of a culture of legality and accountability,” he said.

He called for effective planning to achieve success under the new dispensation, noting that “without effective planning, there can be no consistent execution, and without consistent execution, there can be no real transformation.”

“We are entering a new phase, one in which the court must be more visible, more accessible, more efficient, and more influential.

“Today, we are not merely launching a Plan, we are ushering in a new chapter in the advancement of the ECOWAS Court of Justice as a leading institution, serving community justice, stability, and regional integration,” Goncalves added.

The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Memounatou Ibrahima, represented by MP Suleiman Gumi, pledged Parliament’s unwavering support for initiatives that strengthen institutional synergy, enhance legal frameworks, and promote accountability.

“This Strategic Plan will undoubtedly serve as a critical instrument in advancing regional integration, safeguarding citizens’ rights, and promoting peace and stability.

“Together, we can build a more cohesive, just, and prosperous region for present and future generations,” she said.

ECOWAS Auditor-General, João Fadiá, said the initiative demonstrated a clear commitment to the principles of excellence, accountability, transparency, and a defined direction towards improving the services delivered to the community.

“The Plan presented here is much more than a technical document. I firmly believe that this instrument will provide greater precision regarding the impact of each decision taken.

“It will also ensure that actions remain consistently aligned with the core mission of your institution as a judicial organ of our community of peoples,” he said.

Earlier in an address of welcome, the court’s Acting Deputy Chief Registrar, Marie Saine, explained that the Strategic Plan 2026-2030 was a product of rigorous reflection, inclusive consultation, and forward-looking analysis.

“The ECOWAS Court of Justice is more than an institution; it is a beacon of hope, a guarantor of rights, and a cornerstone of regional unity.

“Together, let us walk this path with courage and conviction. Let us ensure that by 2030, the Court stands stronger, more accessible, and more impactful than ever before,” she said.

Mr James Mathews, Head of Delegation, International Committee of the Red Cross, lauded the court for the milestone initiative, and reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to “principled partnership, operational support, and technical cooperation.” (NAN)

•PHOTO: 4th from left: ECOWAS Court President, Justice Ricardo Goncalves, and other dignitaries at the unveiling of the court’s 5-year Strategic Plan for 2026 to 2030 on Friday in Abuja. (NAN)

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