Nigeria has called for adequate and predictable funding for the International Court of Justice (ICJ), warning that severe financial constraints risk undermining access to international justice for nations worldwide.
The Federal Government also urged the international community to expand financial assistance to help developing nations effectively pursue and defend claims before the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, presented Nigeria’s stance during a UN General Assembly debate on the annual report of the International Court of Justice on Thursday.
Ambassador Ahmed reaffirmed the ICJ’s central role in the peaceful settlement of international disputes and the preservation of global rule of law, commending its ongoing contributions to resolving complex matters concerning territorial boundaries and diplomatic obligations.
He noted that 88 countries participated in proceedings before the Court during the reporting period, during which the tribunal delivered one judgment, two advisory opinions, and 16 procedural orders.
Nigeria welcomed recent amendments to the ICJ’s rules that require heightened transparency regarding compliance with provisional measures, emphasizing that stronger oversight builds trust and accountability in international judicial decisions.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s own legal history, Ahmed cited the landmark October 10, 2002 judgment regarding the border dispute between Nigeria and Cameroon, alongside the subsequent 2006 Greentree Agreement. He noted that the outcome stands as a testament to how international adjudication combined with sustained political cooperation can successfully resolve sensitive territorial disagreements.
The Permanent Secretary also paid tribute to the legacy of distinguished Nigerian jurists at the tribunal, notably former ICJ President Judge Taslim Elias.
To enhance the ICJ’s efficiency and ensure equal access to international justice, Ahmed outlined three key recommendations on behalf of Nigeria:
Adequate and Predictable Funding: Nigeria demanded robust financial backing for the Court, specifically urging approval of dedicated resources for a proposed electronic case-management system in the ICJ’s 2027 budget to streamline judicial operations.
Support for Developing Nations: He urged member states to contribute generously to the UN Secretary-General’s Trust Fund, which assists countries facing financial hurdles in taking part in ICJ proceedings.
Judicial Capacity Building: Nigeria advocated for deeper collaboration between the ICJ and national judiciaries, particularly across Africa and called for expanded support for the ICJ Judicial Fellowship Programme to provide young lawyers from developing nations with vital international legal training.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to peaceful dispute resolution, Ambassador Ahmed concluded by reiterating the nation’s firm respect for the judgments, advisory opinions, and orders of the ICJ.
