The Federal Government has called on member states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to uphold cooperation principles while respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and constitutional framework.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), made the appeal on Monday in The Hague at the opening of the 24th Session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute.
Delivering Nigeria’s national statement, Fagbemi conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s appreciation to the Court and the Assembly for their continued commitment to strengthening international criminal justice. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s longstanding loyalty to the Rome Statute and its determination to hold perpetrators of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity to account.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria reaffirms its readiness to continue working with the ICC in the fulfilment of its mandate. Our cooperation is firmly rooted in the principles of international law and the sovereign equality of states, and we remain committed to ensuring that such cooperation always reflects respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and constitutional framework,” the AGF said.
Highlighting recent national efforts to reinforce humanitarian and criminal justice norms, the minister cited Nigeria’s May 2025 High-Level International Humanitarian Law Dialogue, which brought together government agencies, civil society and academic institutions.
He said Nigeria continues to prioritise civilian protection and accountability in military operations, noting that the Armed Forces operate in line with international humanitarian law and maintain mechanisms for independent and transparent investigations into alleged violations.
Fagbemi also referenced the Six-Month Demobilisation, Deradicalisation and Reintegration Programme, which he said has reintegrated more than 6,000 former combatants, contributing to national stability.
He further noted progress on legislative reforms, including the domestication of the Kampala Convention—now awaiting presidential assent—as well as ongoing work to domesticate the Rome Statute and Additional Protocols I and II to the Geneva Conventions.
According to him, Nigeria has joined like-minded states in the Global Initiative to Garner Political Support for International Humanitarian Law and has endorsed the Political Declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to the ICC’s complementarity principle, Fagbemi said the country continues to demonstrate the capacity and willingness to investigate and prosecute serious crimes committed on its territory. He expressed hope for the formal conclusion of Nigeria’s Situation by the Court.
Warning that the ICC’s mandate is increasingly crucial amid rising global conflicts, the AGF said: “The disregard for international humanitarian law, deliberate targeting of civilians, and destruction of civilian infrastructure illustrate the urgent need to bolster global accountability efforts.”
