Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following the election of Oluwatemi Elias into the United Nations International Law Commission.

In a press release issued by the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations, Ibrahim described the development as a major diplomatic achievement for Nigeria, saying the country was “fully back in the affairs of the United Nations.”

The election took place during the 77th session of the International Law Commission in Geneva on May 5, 2026.

The International Law Commission, established by the UN General Assembly in 1947, is responsible for the progressive development and codification of international law. The body develops legal frameworks on issues including state responsibility, diplomatic immunity, and other aspects of international legal practice.

Ibrahim described Elias’ emergence as one of the early diplomatic victories recorded under his tenure at Nigeria’s mission to the UN, adding that more successes should be expected in the coming months.

“President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians should expect more of such wins in my first 90 days in office,” he said.

According to the statement, the mission communicated the development to the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Abuja during the week.

In a formal communication to Elias, the commission stated: “I have the honour to inform you that, at a meeting held on 5 May 2026, the International Law Commission elected you to the seat which became vacant as a consequence of the resignation of Ms Phoebe Okowa for the remaining term, which ends on 31 December 2027.”

The commission added that it looked forward to welcoming Elias upon the assumption of his duties. (Nigerian Tribune)

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