By Gabriel Ameh
Nigeria has officially declared its intent to make history once again at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, unveiled Dr. Tunde Olufemi Elias as the nation’s candidate for election to the UN’s principal judicial body. The decisive global vote is slated for November 12, 2025.
The unveiling ceremony, held on Thursday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, gathered a high-profile audience of diplomats, jurists, government officials, and international law experts all united in one sentiment: Nigeria is back on the world stage.
“This is a defining moment for Nigeria, for Africa, and for the global rule of law,” Ambassador Tuggar declared. “Dr. Elias is a jurist of learning, integrity, and vision a man whose scholarship and service reflect Africa’s enduring contribution to international law.”
Reclaiming Nigeria’s Voice at the World Court
The nomination marks Nigeria’s strongest diplomatic campaign in over three decades to reclaim a seat at the ICJ a position last held by the late Justice Bola Ajibola, who served until 1994.
Tuggar emphasized that Dr. Elias’ candidacy represents not only Nigeria but also the entire ECOWAS subregion, which has lacked representation at the ICJ since Judge Abdul Koroma of Sierra Leone concluded his tenure in 2011.
“This long silence must end,” the minister asserted. “The ICJ must reflect equitable geographical representation. Africa’s voice must once again help shape the conscience of international law.”
Meet Nigeria’s Candidate: A Global Legal Authority
Dr. Olufemi Elias is no stranger to The Hague. Currently serving as a Judge ad hoc at the ICJ, he brings over 30 years of international legal and diplomatic experience. His distinguished career spans leadership positions at the United Nations, World Bank Administrative Tribunal, and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
He also presides over administrative tribunals for both the OPEC Fund in Vienna and the Islamic Development Bank in Jeddah. An academic authority, Dr. Elias lectures in International Law at Queen Mary University of London and has advised numerous governments and global organizations.
“For an international lawyer like myself, this nomination is a call to serve — to defend justice in a world where it is increasingly under siege,” Elias said to a standing ovation.
Three Pillars of His Campaign
Outlining his vision for the ICJ, Dr. Elias anchored his campaign on three guiding principles:
- Intellectual Excellence – Built on decades of teaching, research, and scholarship in international law.
- UN Institutional Experience – Leadership across global organizations from The Hague to Geneva.
- Judicial Competence – Proven record adjudicating complex cross-border and international disputes.
“This is not merely a Nigerian candidacy,” Elias affirmed. “It is a reaffirmation of Africa’s legal intellect, independence, and commitment to global justice.”
A Statement of Tinubu’s Merit-Based Diplomacy
Speakers at the event lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for restoring merit and professionalism to Nigeria’s foreign service.
“This government is not playing small,” a senior diplomat remarked. “Dr. Elias represents Nigeria’s strategic push to reassert its moral and legal leadership globally.”
Members of Nigeria’s National Group at the Permanent Court of Arbitration, including Professors Paul Adonija and Amelia Thomas, described the nomination as one of Nigeria’s proudest diplomatic moments in recent years.
“The choice of Dr. Elias shows this government’s dedication to competence and credibility,” said one participant. “This is not just a nomination it’s a declaration that Nigeria stands tall in the global quest for justice.”
A Defining Moment for Nigeria and Africa
In closing, Tuggar underscored that Dr. Elias’ candidacy embodies Nigeria’s enduring belief that law, not power, should govern relations among nations.
He urged the diplomatic community to support Nigeria’s candidate at both the UN General Assembly and Security Council, emphasizing that a vote for Elias is a vote for fairness, diversity, and global justice.
“As the world turns its eyes to The Hague, Nigeria’s diplomatic machinery is fully mobilized,” Tuggar said. “Through Dr. Elias, Nigeria’s voice for justice and fairness will once again echo through the halls of the World Court.”
