Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to securing a seat in the 15-member International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague, with Dr. Olufemi Elias as the country’s candidate for the November 2026 election.
The minister made this declaration when Elias paid her a courtesy visit at the Tafawa Balewa House in Abuja to seek the ministry’s unwavering support for his ambition.
This was made known through a press release by the Special Assistant to the minister on Communication & New Media, Magnus Eze on Friday.
Elias, an erudite international jurist, brings deep legal expertise and experience to the ICJ. His late father, Taslim Olawale Elias, was the first African to be appointed President of the ICJ in 1982 and later served on the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague.
Ojukwu emphasized that Elias embodies Nigeria’s commitment to international justice, human rights, and the rule of law. She noted that his vast experience within the United Nations system gives him a strong edge over other candidates.
The minister lauded Elias for his achievements in international law, acknowledging that his career milestones were remarkable, even though he had served in some of those capacities on an ad hoc basis.
She highlighted the strategic importance of Africa in the ICJ, arguing that Nigeria’s role on the continent necessitates its representation in the court.
“With your background, your history within the institution and the UN system, and your years of experience, even though it will be keenly contested, I don’t see the feasibility of you not emerging.
“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 you will not only make Nigeria proud but also Africa. You will leave your footprint on the global map.
“Between now and the election, we will continue to push. The ICJ must be made fit-for-purpose. Seeing what is happening now with the DRC and Rwanda, you already have pressing issues to address,” Ojukwu said.
Elias’ Commitment to Service
Earlier, Elias told the minister that he has dedicated his entire professional life to public international law, with the greater part of his career spent as an international civil servant.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for endorsing him as Nigeria’s candidate and pledged to serve meritoriously if elected as an ICJ judge.
“I can do the work because I have been there. That’s a big boost for me. I have received the Nigerian President’s endorsement, and I have come to see you so that my candidacy remains a priority in your engagements.
“The election is in November 2026, nearly two years away. What this means is that we are starting on time,” Elias stated.
Extensive International Experience
With over 25 years of service in international organizations, Elias has held key positions, including: Judge and Vice-Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank Administrative Tribunal, Judge for Staff Appeals at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Executive Secretary of the World Bank Administrative Tribunal, Registrar of the United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (with the rank of UN Assistant Secretary-General) and Legal Adviser (Director) at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
Elias has extensive experience in designing and implementing policies for employment dispute resolution. He was recently a member of the Independent Panel of Experts reviewing the Dispute Resolution System at the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
A respected academic, Elias has taught international law at King’s College London, Queen Mary University of London, the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, the University of Amsterdam, and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.
He is a member of the Institut de Droit International and the Nigerian Bar and was honored with the Honorary Member Award of the American Society of International Law in 2018 for distinguished service.
Elias reaffirmed his dedication to representing Nigeria with distinction, stating, “I have the requisite qualifications for the job and will remain a good ambassador of Nigeria.”
Comment here