Nigeria has called on member states of the International Criminal Court to respect the country’s sovereignty and constitutional framework as global cooperation on international justice continues to evolve.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), delivered the message on Monday at the opening of the 24th Session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute in The Hague, Netherlands.
Representing President Bola Tinubu, Fagbemi conveyed Nigeria’s appreciation to the ICC and the Assembly for their “tireless efforts in ensuring a successful and meaningful session,” stressing that the country’s commitment to the Rome Statute remains unwavering.
According to a statement issued by the Special Assistant to the President (Communication and Publicity), Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Kamarudeen Ogundele, Fagbemi said Nigeria is determined to hold accountable those responsible for war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity.
He noted that cooperation with the ICC is anchored in the principles of international law and the sovereign equality of states.
The minister highlighted ongoing national efforts to strengthen compliance with international humanitarian and criminal justice obligations.
These include the High-Level International Humanitarian Law Dialogue convened in May, which brought together ministries, civil society groups and academics to review Nigeria’s adherence to international norms.
Fagbemi added that the government continues to prioritise the protection of civilians during military operations and conducts investigations into alleged violations.
He cited the six-month Demobilisation, Deradicalisation and Reintegration Programme, which he said has reintegrated more than 6,000 former combatants.
He further noted that legislative processes to domesticate the Rome Statute and Additional Protocols I and II to the Geneva Conventions are ongoing, while domestication of the Kampala Convention awaits presidential assent.
According to the statement, Nigeria recently endorsed the Political Declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas and joined the Global Initiative to Garner Political Support for International Humanitarian Law.
Fagbemi reaffirmed that Nigeria has both the capacity and willingness to prosecute serious crimes committed within its jurisdiction in line with the ICC’s complementarity principle.
He said the country looks forward to the “formal conclusion of its situation by the ICC,” adding that Nigeria will continue to cooperate with the Office of the Prosecutor.
Against the backdrop of rising global conflicts, the minister condemned increasing violations of international humanitarian law, the targeting of civilians and the destruction of civilian infrastructure.
He also raised concerns over emerging technologies, including lethal autonomous weapons systems, noting that they pose “complex challenges to the protection of civilians and the attribution of responsibility.”
Fagbemi urged the ICC and the international community to adopt norms and safeguards to ensure that technology “serves humanity and not the reverse.”
He stressed that global justice mechanisms must remain sensitive to the realities of countries grappling with terrorism, insurgency and mass displacement, adding that effective cooperation—including victim support, technical assistance and information-sharing—remains essential.
The AGF reiterated Nigeria’s support for efforts to strengthen the ICC’s independence and credibility but emphasised that Africa’s “peculiar experiences and challenges must be reflected in ongoing ICC reforms.”
Fagbemi also condemned the recent cyberattacks on the ICC’s digital infrastructure, describing them as deliberate attempts to undermine the Court’s independence and erode confidence in international justice. He called for greater collaboration with technology and artificial intelligence experts to safeguard the Court’s systems.
Nigeria congratulated the newly elected member of the Board of Directors of the Trust Fund for Victims and urged increased voluntary contributions to support its work in reintegration and healing for victims.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to ending impunity for the gravest international crimes, Fagbemi encouraged states that have not yet joined the Rome Statute to do so “in the interest of global peace, justice, and human dignity.”
