The Federal Government has called on qualified Nigerians to apply for the position of Nigeria’s Statutory Appointee as Judge of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice for the 2026–2030 term.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the appointment is to fill Nigeria’s slot at the regional court headquartered in the nation’s capital.
According to the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, interested and qualified Nigerians are invited to submit applications for the judicial position, which is appointed by the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States.
Ebienfa explained that the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice serves as the principal judicial organ of the regional body, responsible for ensuring adherence to law in the interpretation and application of the ECOWAS Treaty, as well as related protocols and community legal instruments.
He noted that judges of the court are responsible for adjudicating disputes within the court’s jurisdiction, including matters relating to the interpretation and application of ECOWAS laws, the legality of community acts, disputes involving ECOWAS institutions and officials, and cases of human rights violations.
“The Judge contributes to the development of Community jurisprudence and the promotion of the rule of law, justice and regional integration within the ECOWAS Community,” the statement said.
The Ministry stated that applicants must be qualified for appointment to a judicial position at the Supreme Court or an equivalent court, or possess a Master of Laws degree with specialization in international law, community law, integration law or related fields from a recognized university.
Candidates are also required to have at least 20 years of professional experience either as a judge in a relevant field or as a lawyer, legal counsel, or academic with recognized expertise in international law, particularly in community or regional integration law.
Other requirements include proven moral integrity, professionalism, strong organizational and communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
Successful candidates will undergo an assessment process in line with the internal regulations of the ECOWAS Commission, while shortlisted applicants will be screened by the ECOWAS Ministerial Screening Committee.
The Ministry stated that judges of the court serve a single non-renewable term of four years.
Interested applicants are required to submit their curriculum vitae and a covering letter highlighting relevant experience, skills and competencies via email to ecowasnationalunit2@gmail.com and info@nigeriaecowasmission.ng.
Hard copies may also be submitted to the ECOWAS National Unit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Central Business District, Abuja, or to the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja.
The application deadline is March 20, 2026.
