Nigeria's Judges Association Joins the Global Community of Judges

Table of Contents

• Membership of the National Association of Judges in Nigeria
• Global Recognition of the Nigerian Judiciary
• Statement from the Chief Justice of Nigeria
• About the International Association of Judges
• Central Council of the IAJ
• Consultative Status with the United Nations

The National Association of Judges in Nigeria has officially joined the International Association of Judges as a new member.

This association will represent Nigeria within the global judicial community, having been admitted during the 67th Annual Meeting of the International Association held in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The inclusion of Nigeria in this international body highlights the global acknowledgment and trust in the Nigerian judiciary.

Nigeria is now recognized as the 93rd member of the association.

Prior to the admission of the National Association of Judges in Nigeria, the organization took into account various challenges faced by the Nigerian judiciary while also recognizing the reforms initiated by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

In response to Nigeria's admission into this prestigious organization, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, expressed that it is a significant moment of pride and honor for Nigeria to join this global community of judges dedicated to upholding the rule of law, judicial independence, and the protection of human rights.

She stated: “Nigeria embraces this membership with humility, commitment, and a profound sense of responsibility.

“We acknowledge the values upheld by this Association, and we are resolute in our intention to actively contribute to its mission.

“We are dedicated to further enhancing the independence of our judiciary, maintaining the rule of law, and ensuring the ongoing protection and promotion of human rights in our nation.”

The International Association of Judges was established in Salzburg, Austria, in 1953. It is a professional, non-political, international organization that connects national associations of judges, rather than individual judges, who are approved by the Central Council for membership.

The primary objective of the Association is to protect the independence of the judiciary, which is vital for the judicial function, and to guarantee human rights and freedom.

The organization currently includes 92 national associations or representative groups from five continents, with Nigeria now joining as the 93rd member.

The Central Council of the IAJ serves as its executive body, with each member association represented by two delegates in the Council. The Central Council convenes annually, typically in a different country each year.

During the Central Council meeting in Taipei, held in September 2023, Mr. Duro Sessa, a judge from Croatia, was elected as President of the IAJ for the next two years. Mr. Giacomo Oberto, a judge of the Civil Court in Turin, was reappointed Secretary-General for a sixth term.

The Association holds consultative status with the United Nations, specifically in relation to the International Labour Office and the U.N. Economic and Social Council, as well as with the Council of Europe.