Nigeria Nominates Olufemi Elias for International Court of Justice Seat, Continuing Family Legacy
In a move that underscores the country’s commitment to global justice, the Federal Government of Nigeria has officially nominated Dr. Taoheed Olufemi Elias as its candidate for election to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the 2027–2036 term. The announcement was made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Yusuf Tuggar, who stressed Elias’ extensive legal credentials and unwavering dedication to the rule of law.Vanguard News
Dr. Elias currently serves as a Judge ad hoc at the ICJ and is a full member of the Institut de Droit International. He brings decades of experience from high-ranking roles in international organizations, including serving as Registrar of the UN’s Criminal Tribunals Mechanism, Legal Adviser at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), and leadership positions at the World Bank Administrative Tribunal, OPEC Fund Administrative Tribunal, and Islamic Development Bank Tribunal.PM News NigeriaWikipedia
At his official unveiling before the UN diplomatic corps in New York, Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires to the UN, Amb. Samson Itegboje, highlighted Nigeria’s consistent respect for ICJ decisions—citing landmark cases such as the Bakassi dispute—and its long history of contributing to international jurisprudence.The Nation NewspaperTribune OnlineThe Guardian Nigeria
The candidate’s nomination carries symbolic weight: should he win, Elias would become the fourth Nigerian to serve on the ICJ, following the distinguished tenures of Charles Onyeama, Bola Ajibola, and notably his father, Taslim Olawale Elias, who served on the Court from 1976 to 1991 and rose to become its President.The NewsmatricsTheCableThe Nation Newspaper
In February 2025, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Ojukwu, reaffirmed Nigeria’s full support for Elias, praising his 35 years of public international law expertise and pledging diplomatic efforts to ensure a successful campaign at the November 2026 ICJ judges election.Tribune OnlineDaily Post Nigeria
