By Gabriel Ameh
📍Abuja | Media360Impact Report
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening African representation in international institutions following a high-level diplomatic meeting with Kenya’s candidate for election as Judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, received the Kenyan delegation led by the High Commissioner of Kenya to Nigeria, Isaac Keen Parashina, alongside Hon. Lady Justice Njoki Ndungu, Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya and Kenya’s official candidate for the forthcoming ICC judicial elections.
The visit, held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, was aimed at formally presenting Justice Ndungu’s candidature and seeking Nigeria’s support ahead of the ICC elections scheduled for December 2026, where Africa is expected to secure two seats.
During the meeting, Justice Ndungu highlighted her over 36 years of experience in the legal and judicial sector, including her roles as a prosecutor, African Union legal adviser, lawmaker and Supreme Court Judge in Kenya.
She also outlined her contributions to gender justice and victims’ rights, particularly her involvement in the enactment of Kenya’s Sexual Offences Act and legislation supporting maternity and paternity leave.
Justice Ndungu further shared Kenya’s experience with judicial innovation through the adoption of a fully virtual Supreme Court system designed to improve efficiency in the administration of justice.
Speaking on the importance of the ICC, she stressed the need for competent and experienced African judges capable of strengthening trust and cooperation between African nations and international justice institutions.
In his remarks, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed commended Justice Ndungu’s professional achievements and acknowledged the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Kenya.
He noted the history of mutual support between both countries in international engagements and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting qualified African representation in global institutions.
The Permanent Secretary assured the Kenyan delegation that its request for Nigeria’s support would receive due consideration through the appropriate diplomatic processes.
