The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe, recently hosted the President of the Court of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, at the NBA National Secretariat in Abuja. During this meeting, both leaders highlighted the pressing issue of non-enforcement of court judgments, identifying it as a significant threat to justice within the West African sub-region. Justice Gonçalves's visit was accompanied by other judges and senior officials, which underscored the seriousness of the discussions about enhancing compliance with the court’s decisions among member states.

Osigwe emphasized the notion that judicial authority relies not just on the issuance of legal decisions but significantly on the assurance that these decisions will be respected and enforced. He articulated a sobering perspective that when court judgments are consistently ignored, the foundational principles of justice are eroded. This statement reflects a wider concern in the judicial community regarding the effects of non-compliance on public trust in the judicial system.

Addressing enforcement issues, Osigwe remarked that enforcement acts as the 'lifeblood' of adjudication; without adherence to court rulings, even the most well-reasoned judgments risk becoming mere symbols. He reaffirmed the NBA’s commitment to support the regional court in its endeavors to strengthen compliance mechanisms among its diverse member states, which is vital for ensuring the efficacy of justice in the region.