The Federal Government has nominated Dr. Taoheed Olufemi Elias as Nigeria’s candidate for election to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), also known as the World Court, in The Hague, Netherlands.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, in a statement posted on X.
“On behalf of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I am honoured to announce the nomination of Dr. Taoheed Olufemi Elias as Nigeria’s candidate for election to the International Court of Justice @CIJ_ICJ,” Tuggar wrote.
He described Elias as “one of the most respected figures in international law,” highlighting his distinguished academic career, decades of service to the global community, and unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and the rule of law.
“His contributions embody the ideals upon which the ICJ was founded and the values enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations,” Tuggar added.
The minister said the nomination reflects Nigeria’s belief in a rules-based international order where “justice is impartial, peace is safeguarded, and all nations, regardless of size or power, have an equal voice in shaping a fairer and more secure future for humanity.”
The government urged the international community to back Elias’s candidacy, expressing confidence that his election would help advance global justice and support the peaceful settlement of disputes among nations.
If elected, Elias would become the fourth Nigerian to serve on the ICJ, following Charles Onyeama, Bola Ajibola, and his father, Taslim Elias.
A member of the Institut de Droit International, Elias has held senior positions in global institutions, including legal adviser and director at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in The Hague. He is currently president of the administrative tribunal of the OPEC Fund for International Development, chairman of the Islamic Development Bank administrative tribunal, and a former president and member of the OPEC appeals committee.
The ICJ, established in 1945 as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, adjudicates disputes between sovereign states and issues advisory opinions on legal questions referred by UN bodies and specialised agencies.