Nigeria Support for Enhanced African Representation in International Justice Institutions, Receives Kenya Candidate in Abuja By Raymond Enoch
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening African representation in global governance institutions following the presentation of Kenya’s candidate for election to the bench of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Hon. Lady Justice Njoki Ndungu, during a high-level diplomatic engagement in Abuja.
According to a press statement issued by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, ANIPR, Spokesperson of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, received the Kenyan delegation on Monday at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, where discussions focused on Kenya’s bid for one of the African seats expected to be filled during the ICC judicial elections scheduled for December 2026.
The delegation was led by Isaac Keen Parashina, Kenya’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, alongside Justice Ndungu, who is seeking election as a Judge of the ICC. The visit was aimed at formally presenting her candidature and soliciting Nigeria’s support ahead of the crucial international election.
During the meeting, Justice Ndungu outlined her extensive legal and judicial experience spanning more than three decades. She highlighted her service as a prosecutor, legal adviser to the African Union, legislator, and Supreme Court Judge in Kenya, emphasizing her commitment to criminal justice, gender equality, and the protection of victims’ rights.
She noted that among her landmark contributions were efforts that led to the enactment of Kenya’s Sexual Offences Act and legislation promoting maternity and paternity leave. The Kenyan jurist also showcased her country’s judicial innovation, citing the successful deployment of a fully virtual Supreme Court system that has improved efficiency and access to justice.
Addressing the significance of the forthcoming ICC elections, Justice Ndungu stressed the need for competent and experienced African jurists capable of strengthening engagement between the Court and African states. She argued that Africa’s voice within international justice mechanisms must continue to grow in both influence and credibility.
The candidate maintained that her combined experience in law, legislation, diplomacy, and judicial administration positions her to contribute effectively to the work of the ICC while advancing the interests of justice on a global scale.
Responding, Ambassador Ahmed commended Justice Ndungu’s distinguished career and acknowledged the longstanding cordial relations between Nigeria and Kenya. He noted that both countries have historically supported one another in international and multilateral engagements.
The Permanent Secretary further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting qualified African professionals in international institutions, emphasizing that strong African participation remains vital for ensuring balanced representation in global decision-making processes.
While assuring the Kenyan delegation that its request would be carefully examined through established diplomatic channels, Ambassador Ahmed reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to fostering African leadership and excellence within international organizations.
The development comes at a time when African nations are increasingly seeking greater representation in global governance structures, with the December 2026 ICC elections expected to attract significant diplomatic engagement across the continent.
The International Criminal Court remains one of the world’s most influential judicial institutions, and the anticipated allocation of two seats to Africa has heightened efforts by member states to rally support for candidates deemed capable of advancing both international justice and Africa’s interests on the global stage.
