The Federal Government of Nigeria has formally presented Dr. Taoheed Olufemi Elias as its candidate for election to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The announcement was made in Abuja by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar.
The nomination seeks to restore West Africa’s presence on the bench of the world’s highest judicial body. If successful, Dr. Elias would become the fourth Nigerian to serve on the ICJ, following in the footsteps of his father, Taslim Elias, as well as Charles Onyeama and Bola Ajibola. The election for the ICJ is scheduled for November 12, 2025, to fill the seat vacated by Judge Abdulqawi Yusuf of Somalia.
Dr. Elias is a distinguished international lawyer and scholar. He is currently serving as a judge ad hoc at the ICJ. His professional background includes extensive experience as a lawyer and leader in various international organizations. He is a full member of the Institut de Droit International and has served as a UN Assistant Secretary-General. Additionally, he has held positions as the Legal Adviser and Director at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in The Hague.
