(NASARAWA, Nigeria) — Justice Edward Amoako Asante, President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, inaugurated the 16th Administrative and Budget Retreat, emphasizing the critical role of budgetary allocations in the Court’s operations. The retreat, held near Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, gathered key members of the Court to deliberate on financial strategies and administrative efficiencies.

In his opening address, Justice Asante highlighted the importance of thoughtful budget management for the Court’s sustainability. “We know budgetary issues are very important for every institution since that is the mainstay,” he remarked, acknowledging the comprehensive efforts to incorporate inputs from all departments and units. This inclusivity aims to ensure that the proposed budget accurately reflects the diverse needs and priorities of the Court.

However, Justice Asante cautioned against straining the community’s limited financial resources. “We must all know that the Community is now financially weak and therefore we do not have to overburden the Community itself,” he warned, urging prudent financial planning.

A significant portion of the Court’s budget, approximately 80 percent, is allocated to administrative and operational costs, leaving limited funds for planned activities. Despite these constraints, Justice Asante reaffirmed the Court’s commitment to its mandate. “We still have to do our programs to let people know that the Court is also performing its function,” he stated.

Justice Asante called for collective wisdom and strategic planning, encouraging participants to contribute thoughtfully to the budget discussions. “We have to be able to judge all and put our heads together to come up with the best budget which when presented to the Administration and Finance Committee (AFC) and to the Council of Ministers, they will look at it as a very good budget and approve it for us,” he said, emphasizing the Court’s dependence on community funding.

Concluding his speech, Justice Asante officially opened the retreat, inviting participants to engage in productive dialogue and decision-making. “Without taking much of our time, I will declare the budget, and administration retreat open,” he announced.

Dr. William Deiyan Towah, Director of Administration and Finance, expressed confidence in the retreat’s potential to generate innovative solutions and inspire new ideas. Presenting the objectives and expectations of the retreat, Dr. Towah underscored its significance as a platform to assess the Court’s progress and strategize for the future. He praised the collective dedication of the Court’s members, which has upheld the rule of law and earned the respect of stakeholders. “Our collective efforts have earned the respect and trust of our stakeholders, creating a positive impact on the lives of those we serve,” he stated.

Dr. Towah also emphasized the need for continuous improvement and a critical assessment of the Court’s shortcomings. “By embracing these challenges, we can further strengthen our foundation and ensure that the Court remains a beacon of justice and fairness,” he affirmed.

The annual retreat was attended by the Honorable Vice President, judges, directors, and relevant staff of the Court, fostering a space for thoughtful discussions and constructive debates to advance the Court’s mission.