Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu has declared Nigeria’s resolve to secure a seat in the 15-member International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague, with Dr. Olufemi Elias as the country’s candidate for the November 2026 election.
The minister disclosed this when Elias paid her a courtesy visit at the Tafawa Balewa House in Abuja, to seek the ministry’s unalloyed support to actualise his ambition.
Elias, an erudite international jurist will bring deep legal expertise and experience to the ICJ. His late father, Taslim Olawale Elias was the first African to be appointed as President of the International Court of Justice (1982). Five years later, his father was also appointed to the Permanent Court of Arbitration at the Hague as well.
Elias reflects Nigeria’s commitment to international justice, human rights and the international rule of law, Ojukwu said, noting that the candidate’s vast experience in the United Nations’ system and expertise, were enough to place him far ahead of other contestants.
The minister congratulated him for his achievements in the field of international law, pointing out that they were no mean feats even if he had worked in those places on ad hoc basis.
She highlighted that Africa is a very important constituency in the ICJ project, arguing that Nigeria’s significant role in the continent is such that it should be represented there.
“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,” Amb. Ojukwu said.
Earlier, Elias told the minister that he has devoted his entire professional life to public international law, with greater part of it as an international civil servant.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for endorsing him as Nigeria’s candidate promising to serve meritoriously if elected Judge of the ICJ.
Elias who noted that he has the requisite qualifications for the job also pledged to remain a good ambassador of Nigeria.
“I can do the work because I am there. That’s a big boost for me. So, I have received 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.
With over 25 years’ service in international organisations, among which were Judge and Vice-Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank Administrative Tribunal, Elias also served as a Judge for Staff Appeals at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, and as the Executive Secretary of the World Bank Administrative Tribunal.
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