Just In: Nigeria Nominates Taoheed Elias for World Court, Sends Key Message to Int'l Community
- 31 years after Nigeria last oversaw the International Court of Justice (ICJ) with Bola Ajibola as judge, Taoheed Olufemi Elias may become a justice at The Hague
- If elected, Taoheed will be the fourth Nigerian to preside over the ICJ, after Charles Onyeama, Ajibola, and Taslim Elias, his father
- Taslim, Taoheed’ father, served as judge from 1976-1991; as vice-president from 1979-1982; and as president from 1982-1985
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering public affairs and governance in Nigeria.
FCT, Abuja - Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, the minister of foreign affairs, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, announced that Nigeria has nominated Taoheed Olufemi Elias as its candidate for election to International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the term 2027-2036.
Speaking in Abuja, Tuggar said Elias stands among the most respected figures in the field of international law, with a distinguished record of legal scholarship, decades of service to the global community, and a dedication to the principles of justice, equity, and the rule of law.
Source: Twitter
The minister said in a statement obtained by Legit.ng:
"His (Elias) contributions embody the ideals upon which the ICJ was founded and the values enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations."
Tuggar added that Elias' nomination reflects "Nigeria’s steadfast belief in a rules-based international order, one in which justice is impartial, peace is safeguarded, and all nations, regardless of size or power, have an equal voice in shaping a fairer and more secure future for humanity."
Elias: Nigeria sends message to int'l community
Furthermore, the Bola Tinubu government called on the international community to support Elias’s candidacy.
It said it is confident that Elias' election to the ICJ, also commonly known as the World Court. will strengthen the cause of global justice and advance the peaceful settlement of disputes among nations.
The minister's video can be watched below:
Profile of Taoheed Elias
Legit.ng reports that if elected, Elias will be the fourth Nigerian to preside over the ICJ, after Charles Onyeama, Bola Ajibola, and Taslim Elias, his father.
Elias has extensive experience as a lawyer and leader in various international organisations.
Lagos-born Elias is a member of the Institut de Droit International and served as the legal adviser and director at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons at The Hague.
Elias is also the president of the administrative tribunal of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) fund for international development, chairman of the Islamic Development Bank administrative tribunal, as well as a former president and member of the OPEC appeals’ committee.
Speaking on his qualifications, The Cable reported that Elias said his achievements as a renowned expert in international law for 35 years in various capacities, comprising academia and public service, underscore his ability to effectively oversee the ICJ.
World's court takes role in climate fight
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the world's top court is poised to tell governments what their legal obligations are to tackle global warming, and possibly outline consequences for polluters that cause climate harm to vulnerable countries.
An advisory opinion by the ICJ comes in the wake of landmark international decisions that experts said have the potential to significantly shape climate action.
Source: Legit.ng
