The Federal Government has called on member states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to uphold cooperation principles in ways that respect 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, he conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s appreciation to the Court and the Assembly for their commitment to strengthening international criminal justice, while reaffirming Nigeria’s loyalty to the Rome Statute and determination to hold perpetrators of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity accountable.
Fagbemi highlighted recent initiatives aimed at reinforcing humanitarian and criminal justice norms.
He cited the May 2025 High-Level International Humanitarian Law Dialogue, which brought together government agencies, civil society, and academic institutions to strengthen compliance with international law.
He stressed that 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.
The minister also referenced the Six-Month Demobilisation, Deradicalisation and Reintegration Programme, which has reintegrated more than 6,000 former combatants, contributing to national stability.
Legislative and International Commitments
Fagbemi pointed to progress on legislative reforms, including the domestication of the Kampala Convention, now awaiting presidential assent, and ongoing work to domesticate the Rome Statute and Additional Protocols I and II to the Geneva Conventions.
He added that Nigeria has joined like-minded states in the Global Initiative to Garner Political Support for International Humanitarian Law and endorsed the Political Declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas, underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to global humanitarian standards.
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, signaling confidence in Nigeria’s judicial processes.
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.”
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