By David Lawani
The Federal Government of Nigeria has called on State Parties to the Rome Statute to uphold cooperation principles while respecting national sovereignty and constitutional boundaries.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), made the call on Monday at the opening of the 24th Session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), held at The Hague, Netherlands.
Delivering Nigeria’s national statement, the AGF conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appreciation to the Court and the Assembly for their consistent efforts in promoting a successful and impactful session.
According to the statement issued by Kamarudeen Ogundele, Special Adviser to the President (Communication and Publicity), Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Fagbemi reaffirmed that Nigeria’s commitment to the Rome Statute system remains firm, and that the country will continue to pursue accountability for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
“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,” he said.
Fagbemi highlighted ongoing national initiatives aimed at reinforcing Nigeria’s adherence to international humanitarian and criminal justice norms.
He recalled that in May, Nigeria convened a High-Level International Humanitarian Law Dialogue involving ministries, agencies, civil society organisations and academia.
He added that Nigeria continues to prioritise civilian protection and accountability in military operations, emphasising that the Armed Forces operate strictly in accordance with international humanitarian law and maintain independent investigative mechanisms.
He noted that the Six-Month Demobilisation, Deradicalisation and Reintegration (DDR) Programme, a home-grown initiative, has reintegrated more than 6,000 former combatants, contributing meaningfully to peace-building and national stability.
According to him, Nigeria has also taken critical legislative steps, including the domestication of the Kampala Convention, now awaiting presidential assent.
He disclosed that processes for domesticating the Rome Statute and the Additional Protocols I and II to the Geneva Conventions are underway.
He further stated that Nigeria has joined like-minded States in the Global Initiative to Garner Political Support for International Humanitarian Law and recently endorsed the Political Declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s capability and willingness to investigate and prosecute serious crimes, the AGF stressed that all arms of government are strengthening domestic justice mechanisms.
He expressed hope for the formal conclusion of Nigeria’s Situation by the ICC, assuring continued cooperation with the Office of the Prosecutor to address all outstanding observations.
The Minister said the ICC’s mandate has become even more critical given the rise in violent conflicts globally.
He condemned the disregard for international humanitarian law, including deliberate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, describing them as alarming.
Fagbemi also warned that emerging technologies, especially lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS), pose complex risks for civilian protection and accountability.
He said Nigeria supports ongoing international efforts to establish rules that ensure technological tools serve humanity responsibly.
*Urges body to note Africa’s peculiar challenges
He urged the Assembly to remain attentive to the distinct challenges faced by nations grappling with terrorism, insurgency, conflict, and mass displacement, adding that the global accountability framework must remain sensitive to these realities while upholding justice.
The AGF reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for efforts to strengthen the ICC’s independence, efficiency and credibility.
He stressed that Africa’s unique experiences must be integrated into discussions on cooperation, complementarity and reform.
He also condemned recent cyberattacks targeting the ICC’s digital infrastructure, describing them as deliberate attempts to weaken the Court’s mandate and global trust in international justice.
“We urge the Court to deepen collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including experts in emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, to bolster resilience against future threats and safeguard the integrity of the Court’s operations,” he said.
Fagbemi congratulated the newly elected member of the Board of Directors of the Trust Fund for Victims, noting that the Fund remains crucial in delivering reparative justice. He called for increased voluntary contributions to strengthen reintegration and healing programmes.
