- Tinubu Calls for Stronger ICC Africa Dialogue
- …Warns Against Rising Global Conflicts
- …Condemned recent cyberattacks on the ICC’s digital infrastructure
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s strong commitment to the International Criminal Court (ICC) while calling on member states to respect the sovereignty and constitutional frameworks of all nations in their engagements with the Court.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the President’s position was delivered on Monday by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), at the 24th Session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute in The Hague, Netherlands.
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Representing the President, Fagbemi conveyed Nigeria’s appreciation to the ICC and its Assembly for their sustained efforts to strengthen global accountability. He stressed that Nigeria’s dedication to the Rome Statute system remains firm, guided by the principles of international law and the sovereign equality of states.
Fagbemi assured delegates that Nigeria continues to hold perpetrators of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity accountable. He added that the country’s cooperation with the ICC is anchored on respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and constitutional provisions.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria reaffirms its readiness to continue working with the ICC in the fulfilment of its mandate,” he said. “Our cooperation will always reflect respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and constitutional framework.”
The minister highlighted recent national efforts aimed at strengthening compliance with international humanitarian and criminal justice standards. He recalled Nigeria’s High Level International Humanitarian Law Dialogue held in May, which brought together ministries, agencies, civil society organisations and academics.
He noted that Nigeria prioritises the protection of civilians in conflict areas and maintains transparent mechanisms for investigating alleged violations during military operations.
Fagbemi also pointed to the success of the Six Month Demobilisation, Deradicalisation and Reintegration Programme, which has reintegrated more than 6,000 former combatants and contributed to national stability.
On the legislative front, he stated that Nigeria has domesticated the African Union’s Kampala Convention on internally displaced persons, which is awaiting presidential assent. Work is also ongoing to domesticate the Rome Statute and the Additional Protocols to the Geneva Conventions.
He revealed that Nigeria recently joined the Global Initiative to Garner Political Support for International Humanitarian Law and endorsed the Political Declaration on the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness to investigate and prosecute serious crimes, Fagbemi urged the ICC to formally conclude its Situation on Nigeria, noting that the government continues to work with the Office of the Prosecutor to resolve all outstanding matters.
Amid rising global conflicts, the minister expressed concern over increasing violations of international humanitarian law, attacks on civilians and the destruction of civilian infrastructure. He warned about the legal and ethical risks posed by emerging warfare technologies, particularly lethal autonomous weapons systems.
Fagbemi reminded the Assembly that African countries face complex challenges such as terrorism, insurgency and mass displacement. He urged the ICC to consider these realities while maintaining the highest standards of justice.
He called for enhanced cooperation, greater technical support, improved information sharing and stronger victim support systems for countries confronting these threats.
The AGF reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for strengthening the ICC’s independence and credibility and encouraged better resourcing of the Court and faster implementation of the Independent Expert Review recommendations.
He condemned recent cyberattacks on the ICC’s digital infrastructure, describing them as attempts to undermine the Court’s independence. He urged collaboration with experts in advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to strengthen the Court’s security.
Fagbemi also congratulated the newly elected member of the Board of Directors of the ICC Trust Fund for Victims and called for increased voluntary support to expand assistance and reparation programmes.
In a statement issued by Kamarudeen Ogundele, Special Assistant to the President on Communication and Publicity in the Ministry of Justice, the federal government urged states that have not yet joined the Rome Statute to do so in the interest of global peace, justice and human dignity.
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