By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA | Media360Impact Report
Nigeria has called for stronger international support for the International Court of Justice (ICJ), urging countries to respect its rulings, comply with its orders and strengthen the global legal system for resolving disputes peacefully.
The Federal Government also called for increased funding for the Court to improve its capacity to handle cases and ensure that developing countries can access international justice regardless of their financial strength.
Nigeria made the position known during the plenary debate on the report of the International Court of Justice at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on October 29, 2026.
The country’s statement was delivered by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, who reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to international law, peaceful dispute resolution and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
Nigeria commended the Court’s contributions to resolving international disputes, noting that its workload included 24 cases on its General List, 16 orders, one judgment and two advisory opinions.
The government also welcomed an amendment to Article 78 of the Court’s Rules, which took effect on February 2, 2026, allowing public disclosure of reports on compliance with provisional measures.
According to Nigeria, the development would improve transparency and accountability in the implementation of the Court’s decisions.
Nigeria recalls Cameroon boundary dispute
Reflecting on its experience with the ICJ, Nigeria highlighted the Court’s October 10, 2002 judgment on the land and maritime boundary dispute between Nigeria and Cameroon.
The government noted that the judgment was subsequently implemented peacefully through the 2006 Greentree Agreement.
Nigeria described the experience as evidence that international judicial decisions, when supported by political commitment and constructive engagement, can provide lasting solutions to sensitive territorial disputes.
The country also recalled its acceptance of the compulsory jurisdiction of the ICJ under Article 36(2) of the Court’s Statute.
It highlighted the contributions of Nigerian legal experts to international jurisprudence, particularly the late Judge Taslim Olawale Elias, who served as President of the Court.
Nigeria seeks stronger access to international justice
Beyond supporting the Court’s work, Nigeria proposed three measures to improve its effectiveness and accessibility.
First, it urged the United Nations General Assembly to provide adequate resources that reflect the Court’s growing caseload.
It specifically recommended support for the Court’s 2027 budget, including the development of an improved case management system covering electronic filing, processing and management of legal documents.
Second, Nigeria encouraged countries that have not accepted the Court’s compulsory jurisdiction to consider doing so under Article 36(2) of its Statute.
It also called on UN member states to contribute to the Secretary-General’s Trust Fund to Assist States in the Settlement of Disputes through the ICJ.
According to Nigeria, adequate contributions to the fund would help developing countries pursue or defend legal claims without being disadvantaged by financial limitations.
Third, the government called for stronger cooperation between the ICJ and national judiciaries, particularly across Africa.
It said closer engagement would improve understanding of international law, strengthen judicial capacity and promote consistency between international legal principles and domestic judicial practices.
Nigeria also encouraged member states to support the Court’s Judicial Fellowship Programme, which provides young lawyers, particularly those from developing countries, with practical experience and opportunities to contribute to international law.
Nigeria highlights judicial cooperation
The government further welcomed the ICJ’s engagement with Nigeria’s judiciary, recalling visits by a delegation of Supreme Court Justices on August 13, 2025, and another delegation of Nigerian judicial officials on July 16, 2026.
Nigeria described the exchanges as important opportunities for strengthening knowledge of international law and improving cooperation between national and international judicial institutions.
The government maintained that greater exposure to the Court’s jurisprudence would help strengthen the capacity of Nigerian judicial officers and promote the effective application of international legal standards.
Respect for court rulings critical to global peace
Concluding its position, Nigeria stressed that countries must respect and comply with ICJ judgments and orders to preserve the Court’s authority and maintain confidence in the international legal system.
It reaffirmed its commitment to the United Nations Charter and the peaceful settlement of international disputes through established legal mechanisms.
Nigeria maintained that a stronger and adequately funded International Court of Justice would improve access to justice, strengthen international accountability and provide countries, particularly developing nations, with a credible platform for resolving disputes peacefully.
Source: Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Press Release No. MFA/PR/2026/294, signed by Oluwafemi Adeniyi, Spokesperson, November 11, 2026.
