Nigeria has called for increased and predictable funding for the International Court of Justice (ICJ), warning that financial constraints could weaken access to international justice, particularly for developing countries.
The Federal Government also urged stronger financial assistance for countries seeking to resolve international disputes through legal proceedings rather than confrontation.
Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, made the appeal during the United Nations General Assembly debate on the ICJ’s annual report on Thursday, October 29.
He cited Nigeria’s peaceful resolution of its longstanding territorial dispute with Cameroon as an example of how international judicial decisions, supported by diplomatic cooperation, can help prevent conflict.
Nigeria Warns Against Funding Shortfalls at International Court of Justice
Ahmed said the ICJ remained an important institution for maintaining international law and resolving disputes between countries.
He expressed concern that inadequate resources could affect the court’s ability to manage proceedings efficiently and provide timely judicial services.
According to the diplomat, the growing demands placed on international judicial institutions make sustainable funding increasingly important.
He therefore urged UN member states to ensure that the ICJ receives sufficient resources to carry out its responsibilities.
Ahmed specifically supported funding for a proposed electronic case-management system in the court’s 2027 budget.
Such a system could help modernise administrative processes, improve access to case information and support the efficient management of proceedings.
ICJ Records 88 Participating Countries in Reporting Period
Reviewing the court’s performance, Ahmed welcomed its continued involvement in disputes concerning territorial boundaries, diplomatic obligations and other questions of international law.
He said 88 countries had participated in proceedings before the ICJ during the reporting period.
According to figures presented in his address, the court delivered one judgment, two advisory opinions and 16 orders.
Ahmed described the court’s work as an important contribution to peaceful international relations and the development of legal principles governing relations between states.
He also welcomed changes to the ICJ’s procedural rules aimed at improving transparency over compliance with provisional measures.
Provisional measures are urgent directions issued by the court to protect the rights of parties while proceedings are ongoing.
Ahmed said greater transparency regarding compliance could strengthen accountability and public confidence in international judicial processes.
Nigeria Recalls ICJ Judgment on Cameroon Border Dispute
The permanent secretary referred to Nigeria’s experience with the ICJ in its territorial dispute with Cameroon, particularly over the Bakassi Peninsula and other sections of their shared boundary.
On October 10, 2002, the court delivered a judgment addressing the land and maritime boundary between the two countries.
The ruling awarded sovereignty over the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon and addressed other disputed areas along the boundary.
Nigeria subsequently pursued diplomatic arrangements to implement the judgment.
Ahmed said the process demonstrated how countries could address sensitive territorial disagreements through international law and negotiations.
Greentree Agreement Cited as Model for Peaceful Dispute Settlement
Ahmed highlighted the Greentree Agreement, signed by Nigeria and Cameroon in June 2006, as a significant step in implementing the ICJ ruling.
The agreement established arrangements for Nigeria’s withdrawal from the Bakassi Peninsula and provided a framework for managing the transition.
It was facilitated through international diplomatic engagement, including the involvement of the United Nations.
The process helped the two countries avoid a broader military confrontation over the territory.
By referencing the agreement, Nigeria emphasised the importance of combining judicial decisions with practical political cooperation.
Ahmed maintained that international courts could contribute to lasting peace when governments remained committed to implementing their decisions.
Nigeria Calls for Financial Support for Developing Countries
The Federal Government also urged member states to strengthen the United Nations Secretary-General’s Trust Fund, which assists countries involved in proceedings before the ICJ.
Ahmed said the financial burden of international litigation could create obstacles for developing countries with limited legal and administrative resources.
Such costs may include legal representation, preparation of evidence, technical expertise and participation in proceedings.
He argued that financial assistance could help ensure that access to international justice is not determined solely by a country’s economic resources.
Nigeria therefore called for sustained contributions to the fund to support eligible states pursuing peaceful legal remedies.
Nigeria Seeks Stronger Cooperation Between ICJ and African Courts
Ahmed further advocated closer cooperation between the International Court of Justice and national judicial institutions, particularly in Africa.
He said stronger engagement could promote understanding of international law and support the development of judicial expertise.
The permanent secretary also called for greater investment in the ICJ Judicial Fellowship Programme.
The programme provides opportunities for selected law graduates and young legal professionals to gain experience in international judicial work.
Ahmed maintained that wider participation by lawyers from developing countries would help build the next generation of international legal practitioners.
Nigeria Recognises Contributions of Judge Taslim Elias
The Nigerian diplomat also acknowledged the country’s historical contributions to international jurisprudence.
He specifically referenced Judge Taslim Olawale Elias, a distinguished Nigerian jurist who served as President of the International Court of Justice.
Elias remains an important figure in Nigeria’s legal history and international judicial representation.
Ahmed said the contributions of Nigerian legal professionals reflected the country’s longstanding engagement with international law and peaceful dispute settlement.
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to International Law
Concluding his remarks, Ahmed reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to resolving international disputes through peaceful means.
He stressed the importance of respecting international judicial decisions and maintaining cooperation among states.
Nigeria’s recommendations centred on three priorities: adequate funding for the ICJ, improved financial assistance for developing countries and stronger judicial capacity-building programmes.
The Federal Government maintained that strengthening these areas would improve the court’s ability to administer justice and support peaceful relations among nations.
Its latest appeal also underscored the continuing relevance of the Nigeria-Cameroon settlement as an example of international adjudication supported by diplomacy.
