Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, President of the ECOWAS Court, officially launched the first ECOWAS Court Moot Court Competition in Niger State, Nigeria, on June 11, 2025, bringing together legal minds to foster justice and regional cohesion

ECOWAS Court Competition has officially commenced, marking a significant stride in advancing legal education and regional integration across West Africa.

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The President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, on June 11, 2025, inaugurated the first edition of the ECOWAS Court Moot Court Competition at a ceremony held at Zuma Rock Resorts, Niger State, Nigeria.

The event gathered a distinguished assembly of judges, academics, legal professionals, university representatives, and ECOWAS officials, signalling its importance as a landmark initiative.

In his opening address, Justice Gonçalves hailed the competition as “an important milestone in the strengthening of legal culture and regional integration within the Economic Community of West African States.”

He underscored that the event transcends a mere academic exercise, serving instead as a strategic platform for cultivating a more engaged, informed, and cohesive legal community throughout the ECOWAS region.

“As the principal judicial organ of ECOWAS,” Justice Gonçalves remarked, “the Court is not only tasked with delivering justice but also with fostering understanding and accessibility.

This Moot Court Competition reflects our enduring commitment to public engagement and to nurturing the next generation of legal minds.”

The President highlighted the initiative’s core objectives: to deepen participants’ understanding of the ECOWAS Court’s mandate and its vital contributions to regional peace, human rights, and integration.

The competition is also meticulously designed to sharpen the advocacy, research, and legal writing skills of aspiring lawyers—essential tools for both courtroom success and public service.

Furthermore, a key goal is to raise broader awareness about the Court’s work across the region and to build public trust in regional justice mechanisms.

The event also offers a unique opportunity to foster meaningful connections among students, academics, legal practitioners, and ECOWAS institutions.

May the best team win and may this competition inspire a new generation to uphold the ideals of justice, solidarity, and integration in West Africa.

The theme of the 2025 competition, “Promoting Regional Integration and Human Rights through Judicial Processes in West Africa,” was described as both timely and transformative.

“Regional integration is not solely an economic or political pursuit, it is also a legal one,” said the President, emphasising that it is built on transparent, fair, and accessible institutions.

This pilot edition features eight Nigerian universities, meticulously selected from thirteen applicants based on their outstanding performance in the memorial submission stage.

Justice Gonçalves announced that the competition is envisioned as an annual event, with plans for eventual expansion to include law faculties from all ECOWAS Member States.

Addressing the participants directly, Justice Gonçalves urged them: “This is your moment. Be bold in legal reasoning, rigorous in your arguments, and always guided by ethics. This contest is not just about winning; it is about shaping jurists who are critical thinkers and champions of justice.”

The President extended heartfelt appreciation to the ECOWAS Commission, the ECOWAS Parliament, the Nigerian Bar Association, participating law faculties, and other partners whose support was instrumental in bringing the competition to fruition.

He also paid special tribute to the Organizing Committee, jury members, and Court staff for their tireless efforts.

The ceremony concluded with the official opening of the competition, which the President hopes will become a lasting tradition of promoting legal education and regional cooperation.

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“May the best team win,” he concluded, “and may this competition inspire a new generation to uphold the ideals of justice, solidarity, and integration in West Africa,” marking the official launch of the ECOWAS Court Competition.