By Waziri Isa Adam
A 2-day capacity building program for judicial officers, legal, and registry staff of the ECOWAS Court of Justice on trade dispute settlement is scheduled to take place in Abuja from October 3-4.
The program, themed “Capacity Building on Dispute Settlement Mechanisms under the AfCFTA and ECOWAS Instruments,” aims to enhance participants’ capacity in resolving trade disputes within the ECOWAS region. It will be coordinated by Professor Mohammed Tawfiq Ladan, who is the Coordinating Consultant for ECOWAS.
Professor Ladan will be joined by renowned law scholars, including Professor Fallou Samb of Senegal, Professor Jonathan A. Aremu, and Professor Paul Idornigie. The program will cover key components such as conceptual issues in economic integration, legal frameworks and instruments, dispute resolution procedures, case studies, ethics, integrity, and professionalism.
The training which is scheduled to take place at ECOWAS Commission Headquarters Asokoro – Abuja, will utilize practical exercises, case studies, and mock arbitration proceedings to simulate real-life dispute scenarios. Participants will engage in peer-to-peer learning, exchange best practices, and establish networks with fellow judges, legal practitioners, and experts in trade law and dispute resolution.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement presents a unique opportunity for economic integration and cooperation among African nations. The ECOWAS Court of Justice plays a critical role in resolving trade disputes within the region.
The program promises to be an enriching experience for participants, with its impact resonating throughout the region.