Nigeria has urged member states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to respect the sovereignty of nations and operate strictly within constitutional frameworks when engaging with state parties.
The call was delivered on Monday by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), at the opening of the 24th Session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute in The Hague, Netherlands.
Presenting Nigeria’s national statement, Fagbemi conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appreciation to the ICC and the Assembly for their continued efforts in strengthening global accountability. He reaffirmed that Nigeria’s commitment to the Rome Statute system remains firm and unwavering.
According to the AGF, Nigeria is resolute in holding perpetrators of war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity accountable, noting that the country’s cooperation with the ICC is anchored on international law and the principle of sovereign equality.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria reaffirms its readiness to continue working with the ICC in the fulfilment of its mandate,” Fagbemi said. “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.”
Fagbemi highlighted recent national initiatives aimed at reinforcing compliance with international humanitarian and criminal justice norms. He recalled Nigeria’s High-Level International Humanitarian Law Dialogue held in May, which brought together government agencies, civil society groups, and academics.
He noted that Nigeria continues to prioritise civilian protection in conflict zones and has established mechanisms for transparent investigations into alleged military violations.
The minister also pointed to Nigeria’s Six-Month Demobilisation, Deradicalisation and Reintegration (DDR) Programme, which has reintegrated more than 6,000 former combatants, significantly contributing to national security and stability.
On legislative progress, Fagbemi disclosed that Nigeria has domesticated the African Union’s Kampala Convention on internally displaced persons, now awaiting presidential assent. Work is also ongoing on domesticating the Rome Statute and the Additional Protocols I and II to the Geneva Conventions.
He further noted that Nigeria recently joined the Global Initiative to Garner Political Support for International Humanitarian Law and endorsed the Political Declaration on the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s alignment with the ICC principle of complementarity, the AGF stressed that the country has demonstrated both the capacity and willingness to investigate and prosecute serious crimes committed within its territory.
