Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has assured the ECOWAS Court of Justice of the state’s commitment to support it in providing access to justice for the people of the subregion.

Mr Sanwo-Olu pledged the support when he received the ECOWAS Court President, Ricardo Gonçalves, who led a delegation of the community court on a courtesy visit to him in Lagos.

He acknowledged the court’s efforts in addressing cross-border issues and expressed readiness to support it, a statement issued on Saturday by the court’s spokesman, Felicien Hounkanrin, said.

The governor reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the principles of justice and the rule of law, assuring that it would participate in all the court’s forthcoming activities in Lagos.

Earlier, the ECOWAS Court president called for stronger collaboration with the Lagos State government in the enforcement of the Court’s decisions, which he said remained one of its key institutional challenges.

Mr Gonçalves explained that the visit was part of the court’s preparations for its external court session and public sensitisation campaign scheduled to hold later in May in Lagos.

He expressed appreciation to the state government for hosting the court’s activities and called for continued cooperation in promoting access to justice and respect for the rule of law within the subregion.

Lagos State attorney general and commissioner for justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, in a remark, lauded the court for planning to hold its upcoming external court session in the state.

The forthcoming ECOWAS Court’s Lagos outreach aims to bring justice closer to the people of the subregion and strengthen ties with national institutions.

It also aims to raise public awareness about the court’s mandate, its role in regional integration, and how citizens can access its services.

Mr Gonçalves was accompanied on the visit by the court’s vice president, Justice Sengu Koroma, the chief registrar, Yaouza Ouro-Sama, and other senior officers.

(NAN)