● Chijioke Ogbodo
Nigeria is committed to securing a seat at the 15-member International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, with Dr. Olufemi Elias as its candidate for the November 2026 election, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, has declared.
According to Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication & New Media to the minister, Ojukwu made this known today when Elias paid her a courtesy visit at the Tafawa Balewa House in Abuja to seek the ministry’s full support for his candidacy.
Elias, an eminent international jurist, brings vast legal expertise and experience to the ICJ. His late father, Taslim Olawale Elias, was the first African to be appointed as President of the ICJ in 1982. Five years later, he was also appointed to the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague.
Speaking on his qualifications, Ojukwu emphasized that Elias embodies Nigeria’s dedication to international justice, human rights, and the rule of law. She asserted that his extensive experience within the United Nations system and his global reputation set him apart from other contenders.
She commended his impressive career in international law, highlighting the significance of his accomplishments, even in ad hoc capacities. The minister further stressed the importance of Africa’s representation in the ICJ, noting that Nigeria, as a key player on the continent, should have a seat at the prestigious court.
“With your background, your history within the institution and the UN system, 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, and we have absolute confidence that not only will you make Nigeria proud but Africa. And you will leave your footprint on the global map. Be assured that between now and the election, we will keep pushing. The ICJ must be made fit-for-purpose. Seeing what is happening now with DRC and Rwanda, it means you have something already on your plate,” Ojukwu said.
In response, Elias expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for endorsing his candidacy and pledged to serve with dedication if elected as an ICJ judge. He reiterated his commitment to being a worthy ambassador of Nigeria and underscored the importance of early preparations for the election.
“I can do the work because I am there. That’s a big boost for me. So, I have received the Nigerian President’s endorsement. I have come to see you to please have my matter on your card whenever you meet.
“The election is November 2026 – that’s almost two years away. What this means is that we are starting on time,” Elias said.
Elias’ Extensive International Credentials
Dr. Elias boasts over 25 years of service in international organizations. His distinguished career includes serving as Judge and Vice-Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank Administrative Tribunal, as well as a Judge for Staff Appeals at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. He was the Executive Secretary of the World Bank Administrative Tribunal.
He has deep expertise in designing and implementing policies and processes for resolving employment disputes. Recently, he was part of the Independent Panel of Experts tasked with reviewing the Dispute Resolution System at the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Elias previously held the position of Registrar of the United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, with the rank of Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations. He also served as the Legal Adviser (Director) of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. His experience includes working as a legal adviser at the United Nations Compensation Commission, where he later became Special Assistant to the Executive Secretary.
In academia, Elias was a law lecturer at the University of Buckingham and King’s College, University of London. Since 2006, he has been a visiting Professor in International Law at Queen Mary, University of London. He has also taught international law at prestigious institutions such as the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, the University of Amsterdam, and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.
A respected legal scholar, Elias is a member of the Institut de Droit International. In 2018, he received the Honorary Member Award from the American Society of International Law in recognition of his distinguished service to international law. He is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association.
With his wealth of experience and Nigeria’s strong diplomatic backing, Elias is poised to make a significant impact on the ICJ, reinforcing the country’s influence in global legal affairs. GMTNewsng
