By Gabriel Ameh
The Federal Government of Nigeria has congratulated Dr. Taoheed Olufemi Elias on his election as a member of the United Nations International Law Commission (ILC).
Dr. Elias was elected during the 77th Session of the Commission held in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 5, 2026, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of Kenya’s representative, Professor Phoebe Okowa.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the election followed a highly competitive process involving candidates from Botswana and Ghana, with Nigeria emerging victorious.
The government described the achievement as a strong recognition of Nigeria’s enduring contributions to international law, diplomacy, and multilateral cooperation.
Dr. Elias is a respected international legal expert with decades of experience in global legal affairs. He previously served as Registrar of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) with the rank of United Nations Assistant Secretary-General.
He also held key positions at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the World Bank Administrative Tribunal, and the United Nations Compensation Commission.
The Ministry noted that the International Law Commission, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1947, plays a major role in the development and codification of international law on issues such as state responsibility, dispute resolution, immunity, piracy, and international agreements.
The Federal Government expressed confidence that Dr. Elias would bring professionalism, vast expertise, and commitment to justice and international cooperation in advancing the work of the Commission.
The statement was signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr, Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.
