The Nigerian Government has congratulated Dr. Taoheed Olufemi Elias on his election as a Member of the United Nations International Law Commission (ILC) during the Commission’s 77th Session held in Geneva, Switzerland.
In a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government described the election as a major recognition of Nigeria’s enduring contributions to the advancement of international law and multilateral diplomacy.
Dr. Elias emerged successful in a highly competitive election conducted to fill the casual vacancy created by the resignation of Kenya’s representative, Professor Phoebe Okowa. Candidates from Botswana and Ghana also contested for the position.
Ebienfa noted that Dr. Elias brings decades of distinguished service and extensive experience in international legal affairs 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.
According to the statement, Dr. Elias has also held several high-profile international legal positions, including 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 highlighted the important role of the International Law Commission, which was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1947 to promote the progressive development and codification of international law.
The Commission addresses key global legal issues, including state responsibility, international agreements, immunity, dispute settlement, piracy, and other matters relating to global governance.
The Federal Government expressed confidence that Dr. Elias would deploy his expertise, professionalism, and commitment to the rule of law in advancing the work of the Commission and promoting justice, international cooperation, and peaceful coexistence among nations.
Nigeria also wished him a successful tenure in the discharge of his responsibilities on the Commission.
 during the Commission’s 77th Session held in Geneva, Switzerland.){kind=link}