Sanwo-Olu Urges ECOWAS to Champion Grassroots Justice and Equal Access for All

...West African Judges and Civil Society Gather in Lagos for ECOWAS Court Outreach

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged legal professionals and civil society groups across West Africa to actively work towards building an inclusive justice system, one that safeguards rights and ensures equal access to legal recourse for every citizen, regardless of status or background.

Speaking at the opening of a two-day ECOWAS Court of Justice sensitisation forum in Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to lead by example in the administration of justice across the continent. The event, held at Eko Hotels and Suites, brought together judges, lawyers, and human rights advocates across the region.

He stressed that only a unified commitment to the rule of law can build a peaceful, equitable and prosperous West African community. According to the Governor, ECOWAS must not only defend legal standards but also serve as a model for justice systems globally.

“Today’s gathering reflects the spirit of collaboration and resolution as we join forces to strengthen our institutions and bring justice closer to the people we serve,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Highlighting Lagos’ role as a major hub for commerce and regional cooperation, the Governor said the city’s hosting of the ECOWAS Court's outreach was no coincidence — it represents a shared commitment to deeper regional integration and equitable justice.

He called on participants to bring bold ideas to the table, using the platform to deepen regional ties and develop people-first legal frameworks that address real-world challenges, from economic inequality to human rights abuses.

“Let us renew our commitment to safeguarding human rights, bolstering legal systems, and ensuring that everyone, especially the most vulnerable, has access to justice,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu also noted that through outreach and external court sessions, the ECOWAS Court was helping demystify the judicial process and making regional justice more relatable and responsive.

In his remarks, ECOWAS Community Court President Hon. Justice Ricardo Gonçalves emphasised that access to justice must extend beyond urban centers and elite circles.

“Justice should not be a distant dream out of sight and out of reach. Justice is the birthright of all citizens, from the busiest cities to the most remote villages. Justice hidden is justice denied,” he said.

Justice Gonçalves stressed that the time had come to shift from systems that alienate the everyday person to ones that deliver justice where it's most needed — in the countryside, marketplaces, and among youth and families across the region.

The roundtable marks a critical step in ECOWAS’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its legal presence and deepen trust in its judicial mechanisms. For Sanwo-Olu, it’s a timely opportunity to push for justice systems that are not only fair, but also felt.