The Federal Government of Nigeria has congratulated Dr. Taoheed Olufemi Elias on his election as a member of the United Nations International Law Commission (ILC), describing the development as a major recognition of Nigeria’s enduring contributions to international law and multilateral diplomacy.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said Dr. Elias was elected during the 77th Session of the Commission held in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 5, 2026, to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Kenya’s representative, Professor Phoebe Okowa.
Ebienfa noted that the election followed a highly competitive process involving candidates from Botswana and Ghana, with Nigeria emerging successful through Dr. Elias’ candidacy.
According to the ministry, Dr. Elias brings decades of distinguished experience in international legal affairs to the Commission.
The ministry noted that he previously served as Registrar of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) with the rank of United Nations Assistant Secretary-General.
It also highlighted his previous roles as Legal Adviser and Director at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Executive Secretary of the World Bank Administrative Tribunal, and Legal Adviser at the United Nations Compensation Commission.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the International Law Commission, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1947, as a critical body responsible for the progressive development and codification of international law.
It stated that the Commission addresses key global legal issues including state responsibility, international agreements, immunity, dispute settlement, piracy, and other matters central to global governance.
The Federal Government expressed confidence that Dr. Elias would deploy his vast expertise, professionalism, and commitment to the rule of law in advancing the Commission’s mandate and promoting justice, peaceful coexistence, and international cooperation among nations.
