By ifeoma Onyekachi

The ECOWAS Court of Justice has launched a five-year strategic plan aimed at strengthening regional justice delivery, improving access to justice, and reinforcing the rule of law across West Africa.

The strategic document, covering 2026 to 2030 and titled “Justice 2030,” was unveiled on Friday in Abuja, outlining a comprehensive roadmap that will guide the court’s operations and institutional development over the next five years.

The plan sets out key priorities including improving judicial efficiency, expanding access to justice for citizens within the ECOWAS community, strengthening regional legal harmonisation, enhancing institutional capacity, and promoting transparency and stakeholder engagement.

President of the Court, Justice Ricardo Goncalves, described the strategic plan as a major step toward institutional transformation and a stronger justice system within the sub-region.

According to him, the initiative reflects the court’s commitment to strengthening its role as a guarantor of the rule of law, a promoter of justice, and a key institution supporting regional integration in West Africa.

He noted that the plan represents a turning point for the court, but emphasised that successful implementation would require coordinated action, institutional discipline, and commitment from judges, staff members, and stakeholders.

Goncalves said judges of the court must continue to uphold integrity and credibility by delivering independent and rigorous judgments, promoting consistency in decisions, and ensuring that justice remains accessible and efficient.

He described the court’s staff as the backbone of the institution, stressing that administrative efficiency, effective case management, technical competence, and strong service culture would be critical to achieving the strategic objectives.

The court president also called for support from stakeholders, including ECOWAS member states, institutions, legal networks, development partners, and civil society organisations, noting that the court’s effectiveness depends on collaboration, enforcement of decisions, legal harmonisation, and promotion of accountability across the region.

Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Memounatou Ibrahima, represented by MP Suleiman Gumi, pledged the parliament’s support for initiatives that promote institutional cooperation, strengthen legal frameworks, and enhance accountability in the region.

Similarly, ECOWAS Auditor-General, João Fadiá, said the strategic plan demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence, transparency, accountability, and improved service delivery to citizens within the ECOWAS community.

Earlier, Acting Deputy Chief Registrar of the court, Marie Saine, said the Strategic Plan 2026–2030 was developed through extensive consultation, reflection, and forward-looking analysis.

She described the ECOWAS Court of Justice as a vital institution that promotes human rights, justice, and regional unity, expressing optimism that by 2030 the court would become more accessible, stronger, and more impactful.

Also speaking, Head of Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mr James Mathews, commended the court for the initiative and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to partnership, operational support, and technical cooperation with the court.