Nigeria Congratulates Dr. Taoheed Elias on Election to UN International Law Commission
Oru Leonard
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) during the 77th Session of the Commission held in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 5, 2026.
In a statement signed by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa in Abuja, the government described the election as a significant recognition of Nigeria’s enduring contributions to the development of international law and multilateral diplomacy.
Dr. Elias emerged victorious in a highly competitive contest involving candidates from Botswana and Ghana to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Kenya’s representative, Professor Phoebe Okowa.
The ministry noted that Dr. Elias brings decades of distinguished international legal experience to the Commission. He previously served as Registrar of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) with the rank of United Nations Assistant Secretary-General.
He also held key positions 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.
According to the statement, the International Law Commission, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1947, is responsible for the progressive development and codification of international law, covering areas such as state responsibility, dispute settlement, immunity, piracy, and international agreements.
The Federal Government expressed confidence that Dr. Elias would deploy his expertise and commitment to the rule of law in advancing the Commission’s mandate and promoting justice, peaceful coexistence, and international cooperation among nations.
The statement was signed by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
