President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged member states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to firmly uphold the sovereignty of nations and strictly adhere to constitutional frameworks in their dealings. The call was delivered on Nigeria's behalf at the opening of a major global assembly.
Nigeria's Firm Stance on International Justice
On Monday, 1 December 2025, Nigeria's Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), conveyed President Tinubu's message at the 24th Session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute in The Hague, Netherlands. Fagbemi presented the national statement, expressing Nigeria's appreciation for the ICC's work in strengthening global accountability.
He reiterated that Nigeria's commitment to the Rome Statute system remains firm and unwavering. The country is resolute in holding perpetrators of atrocities like war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity accountable. However, Fagbemi emphasized that all cooperation must be rooted in international law and the sovereign equality of states, respecting Nigeria's own constitutional framework.
National Efforts and Legislative Steps
The Attorney General highlighted several key initiatives demonstrating Nigeria's commitment to international norms. He recalled that in May 2025, Nigeria convened a High-Level International Humanitarian Law Dialogue involving government bodies, civil society, and academics.
Fagbemi pointed to the successful Six-Month Demobilisation, Deradicalisation and Reintegration (DDR) Programme, a homegrown initiative that has reintegrated over 6,000 former combatants, boosting national stability. On the legislative front, he noted that Nigeria has domesticated the African Union's Kampala Convention on internally displaced persons, which awaits presidential assent. Work is also advancing on domesticating the Rome Statute and the Additional Protocols to the Geneva Conventions.
Nigeria has also joined the Global Initiative to Garner Political Support for International Humanitarian Law and endorsed the Political Declaration on the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas.
Call for Conclusion of Nigeria Situation and Global Concerns
Reaffirming the ICC's principle of complementarity, Fagbemi stated that Nigeria has shown the capability and willingness to investigate and prosecute serious crimes domestically. He urged the ICC to formally conclude its Situation on Nigeria, noting ongoing collaboration with the Office of the Prosecutor to resolve outstanding issues.
Expressing deep concern over global trends, Fagbemi warned about the increasing disregard for international humanitarian law, the targeting of civilians, and the destruction of civilian infrastructure. "Nigeria finds particularly concerning the dehumanisation of wars and armed conflicts against even persons not directly involved," he stated.
He also raised an alarm over emerging warfare technologies, specifically lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS), which pose serious legal and ethical questions. Nigeria supports global efforts to establish norms ensuring such technologies serve humanity.
Fagbemi called on the ICC Assembly to consider the unique challenges faced by African states battling terrorism, insurgency, and mass displacement. He advocated for improved cooperation, technical assistance, and stronger victim-support systems for affected countries.
In closing, he reaffirmed Nigeria's support for strengthening the ICC's independence and efficiency, encouraged adequate resourcing, and stressed the need for continuous dialogue where African experiences are reflected. Nigeria also condemned recent cyberattacks on the ICC's infrastructure, urging the Court to bolster its digital defences with expert help in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
In a separate statement, Kamarudeen Ogundele, Special Assistant to the President on Communication and Publicity, reiterated Nigeria's commitment to the global fight against impunity and urged non-member states to accede to the Rome Statute for the sake of global peace and justice.
