Nigeria has called on the United Nations to increase support for the International Court of Justice (ICJ), urging member states to strengthen the resources, accessibility and authority of the world’s principal judicial organ.
The country also encouraged states that have not accepted the Court’s compulsory jurisdiction to consider doing so, while calling for greater financial support to help developing countries pursue or defend cases before the international tribunal.
Nigeria made the recommendations during a plenary debate on the ICJ’s report at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on October 29, 2026.
The country’s position was delivered by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, who reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to international law, peaceful settlement of disputes and compliance with the Court’s judgments and orders.
In its statement, Nigeria commended the ICJ’s work, noting that its report covered 16 orders, one judgment, two advisory opinions and 24 cases on its General List.
The country said adequate resources were necessary to enable the Court to manage its growing caseload and effectively discharge its mandate.
Nigeria seeks stronger funding and access to ICJ
Nigeria urged the UN General Assembly to ensure that the Court’s resources matched its workload, including support for its proposed 2027 budget and the development of an improved case-management system.
The proposed system would support electronic filing, processing and management of case materials.
Nigeria also called on countries that have not accepted the Court’s compulsory jurisdiction to consider making declarations under Article 36, paragraph 2, of the ICJ Statute.
It further encouraged member states to contribute to the Secretary-General’s Trust Fund to Assist States in the Settlement of Disputes through the ICJ.
According to Nigeria, adequate funding would help developing countries access the Court and pursue or defend legal claims regardless of their financial circumstances.
The country also called for stronger cooperation between the ICJ and national judiciaries, particularly in Africa, to improve understanding of international law and the Court’s decisions.
It urged member states to support the ICJ Judicial Fellowship Programme, which provides young lawyers, especially those from developing countries, with practical experience at the Court.
Nigeria cites Cameroon boundary dispute as example
Reflecting on its relationship with the ICJ, Nigeria recalled the Court’s October 10, 2002 judgment in the Land and Maritime Boundary between Cameroon and Nigeria case.
The judgment was subsequently implemented through the 2006 Greentree Agreement, which provided a framework for the peaceful transfer of authority in the Bakassi Peninsula and the resolution of related boundary issues.
Nigeria said the experience demonstrated how international adjudication, supported by political will and constructive engagement, could help resolve complex territorial disputes peacefully.
The country also recalled its acceptance of the ICJ’s compulsory jurisdiction under Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Court’s Statute.
It highlighted the contributions of Nigerian jurists to international jurisprudence, particularly the late Judge Taslim Olawale Elias, who served as President of the ICJ.
Nigeria further welcomed the Court’s engagement with the Nigerian Judiciary, including visits by Supreme Court justices on August 13, 2025, and another Nigerian judicial delegation on July 16, 2026.
Nigeria welcomes greater transparency in ICJ orders
The country also welcomed the amendment to Article 78 of the ICJ Rules of Court, which took effect on February 2, 2026.
The amendment provides for public disclosure of reports on compliance with provisional measures ordered by the Court.
Nigeria described the development as an important step towards improving transparency and accountability in the implementation of the Court’s orders.
It concluded by stressing that compliance with ICJ judgments and orders was essential to preserving the Court’s authority, upholding the rule of law and strengthening confidence in the international legal system.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigeria remained committed to the principles of the United Nations Charter and the peaceful settlement of international disputes in accordance with international law.
The statement was signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
