In a bold declaration of Nigeria’s commitment to global justice, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, has affirmed the country’s determination to secure a seat in the 15-member International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague.
Come November 2026, Nigeria will present Dr. Olufemi Elias as its candidate for the prestigious position.
The minister made this statement when Elias, a distinguished international jurist, visited her at the Tafawa Balewa House in Abuja to seek the ministry’s unwavering support in realizing his ambition.
A legal luminary, Elias brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the ICJ. His legacy is deeply rooted in international law his late father, Taslim Olawale Elias, made history as the first African to serve as President of the ICJ in 1982 and was later appointed to the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague in 1987.
According to Ojukwu, Elias’s candidacy underscores Nigeria’s dedication to international justice, human rights, and the global rule of law.
She expressed confidence that his vast experience within the United Nations system gives him a competitive edge over other contenders.
“With your background, your history within the institution and the UN system, your years of experience even though it will be keenly contested I don’t see the feasibility of you not emerging,” she stated.
The minister lauded Elias’s remarkable achievements in international law, emphasizing that such accomplishments were no small feats, even if attained on an ad hoc basis.
Highlighting Nigeria’s influence on the African continent, Ojukwu stressed that Africa is a crucial constituency in the ICJ, and Nigeria, given its pivotal role, must be adequately represented.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, whose officers have been your major campaigners, I congratulate you. Be rest assured that we will keep pushing until you get there. We have absolute confidence that not only will you make Nigeria proud but Africa as well. You will leave your footprint on the global map.”
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She further assured Elias of the government’s steadfast support in the lead-up to the election, noting that Nigeria is committed to making the ICJ fit-for-purpose, especially in light of contemporary issues such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda conflict.
In response, Elias expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for endorsing his candidacy and vowed to serve meritoriously if elected.
“I can do the work because I am there. That’s a big boost for me. So, I have received the Nigerian President’s endorsement. I have come to see you to please have my matter on your card whenever you meet. The election is November 2026 that’s almost two years away. What this means is that we are starting on time.”
With over 25 years of service in international organizations, Elias boasts an impressive résumé, having served as a Judge and Vice-Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank Administrative Tribunal, a Judge for Staff Appeals at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, and as Executive Secretary of the World Bank Administrative Tribunal.
As Nigeria launches its campaign for a place at the ICJ, all eyes are on Dr. Olufemi Elias, a man poised to reinforce the country’s legacy in international law.