By Ebi Kesiena
In a bid to reclaim its long-lost seat at the world’s highest judicial arena at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) after more than 30 years of absence, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, presented Dr. Taoheed Elias as Nigeria’s candidate for election to the UN’s principal judicial body, with voting scheduled for November 12, 2025.
Heritage Times HT recalls that Nigeria last occupied a seat at the ICJ in 1994 when the late Justice Bola Ajibola completed his tenure.
At a formal unveiling ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja on Thursday, Tuggar explained that Dr. Elias’ candidacy represents not only Nigeria but the entire ECOWAS subregion, which has lacked representation at the ICJ since Judge Abdul Koroma of Sierra Leone concluded his tenure in 2011.
According to Ambassador Tuggar, the nomination of Dr. Elias represents excellence, integrity, and Africa’s continued contribution to the global rule of law
Tuggar emphasized that the candidacy of Dr. Elias, who currently serves as a Judge ad hoc at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), reflects Nigeria’s long-standing reputation for excellence, integrity, and professionalism in international law and diplomacy. He noted that Dr. Elias’s wealth of experience, distinguished academic background, and proven judicial competence make him eminently qualified for the position.
“Dr Elias is a jurist of learning, integrity, and vision, a man whose scholarship and service reflect Africa’s enduring contribution to international law.” He said.
Ambassador Tuggar therefore urged the international community to support Dr. Elias, noting that his election would not only mark Nigeria’s return to the ICJ but also strengthen Africa’s representation in shaping the future of international law.
In his remarks, Dr. Elias said his nomination was a call to service and a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s leadership in upholding justice and fairness globally. “This is not just a Nigerian candidacy; it is a reflection of Africa’s intellectual strength and moral resolve,” he stated.
Elias explained that his ambition is anchored on three key pillars of intellectual excellence, built on decades of teaching, scholarship, and research in international law, extensive experience working with UN institutions and thirdly, on his judicial competence, leveraging his hands-on experience in adjudicating complex transnational cases, demonstrating his suitability for the International Court of Justice.
Dr. Elias brings with him over three decades of international legal experience, having held senior positions at the United Nations, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), and the World Bank Administrative Tribunal. He also chairs administrative tribunals for the OPEC Fund in Vienna and the Islamic Development Bank in Jeddah
The event was attended by senior diplomats, legal luminaries, and government officials marking a renewed era of assertive diplomacy as Nigeria seeks to reestablish its judicial influence on the global stage.
