BREAKING: FG Declares Support for Olufemi Elias for ICJ Election

Minister of Foreign Affairs (State), Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s determination to secure a seat on the 15-member International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague, nominating Dr. Olufemi Elias as the country’s candidate for the November 2026 election.

The minister made this assertion during a courtesy visit from Elias at the Tafawa Balewa House in Abuja, where he sought the ministry’s unwavering support to realise his ambition.

In a statement by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze, the minister stated, “Elias, an esteemed international jurist, will bring invaluable legal expertise and experience to the ICJ. His late father, Taslim Olawale Elias, was the first African appointed as President of the International Court of Justice in 1982 and five years later, he also served on the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague.”

“Elias embodies Nigeria’s commitment to international justice, human rights, and the rule of law,” Ojukwu said, asserting that his “extensive experience within the United Nations system and his expertise place him ahead of other candidates.”

The minister congratulated Elias for his accomplishments in international law, noting that they are significant achievements, regardless of the ad hoc nature of his past work.

She emphasised that Africa must be well represented in the ICJ, highlighting Nigeria’s substantial role on the continent as justification for this representation.

“With your background, history within the institution and the UN system, and years of experience, I have every faith that, while the competition will be fierce, you will emerge victorious,” Ojukwu continued.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, whose officers have been your primary supporters, I extend my congratulations. Rest assured, we will advocate tirelessly until you secure your position. We are confident that you will not only make Nigeria proud but also represent Africa well, leaving an indelible mark on the global stage. Between now and the election, we will continue our efforts. The ICJ must be equipped to fulfil its purpose. Given the current issues between the DRC and Rwanda, you already have pressing matters to address,” she stated.

Earlier, Elias expressed to the minister his dedication to public international law, having devoted much of his professional life to serving as an international civil servant.

He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for endorsing his candidacy and pledged to serve meritoriously if elected as an ICJ Judge.

Elias highlighted his qualifications for the position and committed to being an exemplary representative of Nigeria.

“I am prepared for the role because I am already present in these circles. The endorsement from the Nigerian President is a substantial advantage for me. I have come to seek your support, so please keep my campaign in mind during your discussions.”

“The election in November 2026 is nearly two years away, which means we are starting early,” Elias added.

With over 25 years of experience in international organisations, Elias has held positions as Judge and Vice-Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank Administrative Tribunal. He has also served as a Judge for Staff Appeals at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon and as Executive Secretary of the World Bank Administrative Tribunal.

His vast experience includes designing and implementing policies for resolving employment disputes. Most recently, he participated as a member of the Independent Panel of Experts reviewing the Dispute Resolution System at the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Elias has acted as the Registrar of the United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, holding the rank of Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations. Previously, he was the Legal Adviser (Director) of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and worked as a legal adviser at the United Nations Compensation Commission. Early in his career, he 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, and has taught at several prestigious institutions, including the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, University of Amsterdam, and Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.

Elias is a member of the Institut de Droit International and received the Honorary Member Award from the American Society of International Law in 2018 for his distinguished service to the field. He is also a member of the Nigerian Bar.