Abuja:The Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is conducting a five-day orientation programme for its newly appointed judges from October 19 to 23, 2026, at Zuma Rock Resort in Niger State, Nigeria. This initiative aims to acquaint these judges with the ECOWAS legal framework, the Court's mandate and jurisdiction, judicial processes, procedures, and institutional governance.
According to Ghana News Agency, the orientation will delve into various aspects, including sources of law and interpretation, admissibility and access to the Court, reparations and remedies, judicial ethics and conduct, and the responsibilities of judges within the Court's collegial environment. The judges will also undergo practical training on the Court's Electronic Case Management System (ECMS) to enhance their familiarity with technology-enabled processes for effective case management and improved access to justice.
The programme will further introduce the judges to the Court's administrative and judicial support structures, such as registry operations, case-flow management, research and documentation, human resources, administration, and finance. Other areas of focus will include information technology, security, protocol, planning, monitoring and evaluation, public information, and external relations.
A significant component of the orientation is the introduction of the Court's Strategic Plan for 2026-2030, known as Justice 2030, which outlines the institutional framework for enhancing effectiveness, accessibility, efficiency, and accountability. This session will elucidate the Court's vision, mission, strategic priorities, and performance framework, along with their implications for judicial leadership.
The orientation programme is designed to promote a shared understanding of the Court's practices and institutional expectations among the new judges. It will be facilitated by a former judge of the Court, along with staff from the Registry and Research and Documentation Departments, and will feature presentations, interactive discussions, question-and-answer sessions, and plenary deliberations to encourage the exchange of perspectives and experience.
The new College of Judges includes Justice Charlyne M. Brumskine, President of the Court; Justice Désire Henri Aihou, Vice-President; and Justices Henrietta Uzoamaka Didigu, Yaouza Ouro-Sama, and Awa Bah. The programme aims to equip them with the necessary institutional knowledge and practical skills to effectively discharge their judicial responsibilities and to familiarise them with the systems and procedures supporting the Court's adjudicative work and justice delivery across the West African region.
The orientation highlights the Court's commitment to judicial excellence, institutional effectiveness, and the provision of accessible, timely, and effective justice within the ECOWAS community.