By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended warm congratulations to Dr. Taoheed Olufemi Elias on his election as a Member of the United Nations International Law Commission (ILC), following the elections held during the Commission’s 77th Session in Geneva, Switzerland, on 5 May 2026.
Dr. Elias was elected to fill a casual vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Kenya’s nominee, Professor Phoebe Okowa, emerging successful in a keenly contested process involving distinguished candidates from Botswana and Ghana. His election underscores international confidence in Nigeria’s continued relevance and leadership in the development of international law and multilateral legal diplomacy.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed pride in Dr. Elias’ appointment, noting his extensive and distinguished career in international legal practice spanning several decades.
His professional record includes service as Registrar of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT), where he held the rank of United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, as well as senior legal roles such 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.
The United Nations International Law Commission, established by the UN General Assembly in 1947, remains a central institution for the codification and progressive development of international law. Its mandate covers key areas including state responsibility, treaties, immunity of states, dispute resolution frameworks, piracy, and other foundational aspects of global legal order.
The Federal Government expressed confidence that Dr. Elias will contribute significantly to the work of the Commission, bringing his wealth of experience, technical expertise, and deep commitment to the rule of law, international justice, and cooperation among states.
Nigeria once again congratulated Dr. Taoheed Olufemi Elias on this outstanding achievement and wished him success in his tenure on the Commission.
