FG Presents Judge Elias For ICJ Election, Seeks Global Backing For West Africa’s Return To The Bench

The Federal Government has formally presented Judge Dr. Taoheed Elias as Nigeria’s candidate for election to the International Court of Justice, ICJ. The event, held in Abuja, brought together diplomats and senior officials as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, led the endorsement.

Tuggar underscored that West Africa has lacked representation on the ICJ since 2011, while Nigeria has been absent for over three decades. He said this situation highlights the urgent need for geographical balance and renewed African participation in global judicial affairs.

The minister described Elias as a jurist of impeccable integrity and vast experience, embodying the high standards outlined in Article 2 of the ICJ Statute. He emphasized that Elias is not just Nigeria’s nominee but “a candidate for the international community.”

According to Tuggar, “Elias possesses all the qualifications for the highest judicial office and recognized competence in international law.” He added that the nomination represents the shared diplomatic ideals of integrity, competence, and commitment to justice.

Elias, in his remarks, expressed pride in being Nigeria’s candidate for the ICJ. He noted that the court remains central to the peaceful resolution of disputes under the United Nations framework. He outlined three pillars of his candidacy: academic expertise in international law, institutional knowledge of the UN, and extensive judicial experience.

Currently serving as a judge ad hoc on the ICJ, Elias recalled that Equatorial Guinea once selected him as their representative, underscoring his international credibility. He also acknowledged the legacy of Judge Abdulqawi Yusuf of Somalia, whose seat he seeks to fill.

Elections for the ICJ are scheduled for November 12, 2025. If elected, Elias would become the fourth Nigerian to serve on the court, following Charles Onyeama, Bola Ajibola, and his father, Taslim Elias.

Elias, a member of the Institut de Droit International, has served as Legal Adviser at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and currently heads judicial panels for OPEC and the Islamic Development Bank.

The ICJ, established in 1945 and based in The Hague, remains the world’s foremost court for resolving disputes between sovereign states.