Nigeria has officially nominated Dr. Olufemi Elias to be the country’s candidate for the role of President at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands.
Elias is poised to lead the ICJ for the 2027 to 2036 term, if elected. The ICJ, one of the six main organs of the United Nations, plays a crucial role in settling disputes between states, under international law.
The court comprises 15 judges, each elected for nine-year terms by the UN General Assembly and the Security Council. Elections for the ICJ will take place in 2026.
Dr. Elias brings a wealth of experience to this prestigious nomination. He currently serves as a judge ad hoc at the ICJ and is a full member of the Institut de Droit International. His career spans decades, including notable positions such as UN Assistant Secretary-General and Legal Adviser at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
Should he win the election, Elias would join a select group of Nigerians who have previously served at the ICJ, including Charles Onyeama, Bola Ajibola, and his own father, Taslim Elias, who was a judge at the ICJ from 1976 to 1991.
At a formal presentation in New York, Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires to the UN, Ambassador Samson Itegboje, highlighted the immense qualifications of the candidate.
“We believe Dr. Elias has the necessary experience and dedication to bring continued prestige to Nigeria’s role in international law,” Itegboje said. “Nigeria has long played a significant part in the work of the ICJ, and Dr. Elias’ candidacy reflects our commitment to global peace through legal frameworks.”
The Charge d’Affaires went on to emphasize that Nigeria has consistently adhered to ICJ decisions, underscoring the country’s respect for international rulings. “We have not only participated in ICJ cases, but we’ve also fully abided by its decisions,” he noted, referencing Nigeria’s cooperation in resolving the Bakassi territorial dispute with Cameroon.
Itegboje also recalled Nigeria’s active participation in cases dealing with human rights and maritime law, both of which are critical areas for the ICJ.
“Dr. Elias represents not just an individual of exceptional legal expertise, but a continuation of Nigeria’s significant legacy in international legal affairs,” Itegboje said, pointing to his father’s substantial contributions to international law as an ICJ judge.
Olufemi Elias himself reflected on his extensive experience in the field of public international law. “I have devoted over 35 years to international law, serving in various capacities,” he said. “I believe this background makes me well-equipped for the challenges ahead.”
Elias also highlighted Nigeria’s longstanding respect for the ICJ and its rulings. “Nigeria is known for being a reliable international actor, always taking its obligations seriously, particularly with regard to judgments by the ICJ,” he added.
The nomination of Elias has received widespread support within the international legal community. Mohamed Mahmud, Minister Counselor and the United Nations Elections Officer for Nigeria’s Permanent Mission, praised Elias as one of the most accomplished Nigerian international lawyers.
“The turnout at the presentation was a clear indication of the respect Nigeria commands within the global diplomatic community,” Mahmud said. “Dr. Elias is widely regarded as the leading candidate to represent Nigeria at the ICJ.”
Mahmud also highlighted the regional balancing of the nomination, which ensures that Nigeria’s candidate is well-placed to succeed. “Nigeria is leveraging its full diplomatic influence to support Elias’ candidacy, and we are optimistic about his success in the upcoming election,” he added.
Dr. Elias’ career is marked by prestigious roles in numerous international bodies. He currently serves as the President of the Administrative Tribunal of the OPEC Fund for International Development and is also the Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank Administrative Tribunal. In addition, he has held positions at the World Bank and UN Compensation Commission.
Elias’ reputation as a global authority in international law is further solidified by his election to the prestigious Institute de Droit International in 2015. He was one of only two Nigerians to ever join this elite group, founded in 1873.
In 2018, Elias received the honorary life membership award from the American Society of International Law, the most prestigious international law association in the world. This recognition was in acknowledgement of his distinguished contributions to international law.
Elias’ career has also seen him hold several prominent positions within the UN system, including as Head of the UN’s International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals. He has served as a judge for the UN-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon in The Hague and as Executive Secretary at the World Bank’s Administrative Tribunal in Washington, D.C.
Elias is also a respected academic, serving as a visiting professor in international law at Queen Mary University of London and the University of Buckingham.
The legacy of his father, Taslim Elias, continues to shape his career. Taslim Elias was not only the Chief Justice of Nigeria but also the first African to serve as President of the ICJ, from 1982 to 1985. His pivotal role in shaping international law and Nigeria’s legal framework is a testament to the Elias family’s lasting impact on global jurisprudence.