ECOWAS Court Dismisses NGOs’ Legal Battle Over Deadly Flooding

ECOWAS Court Dismisses NGOs’ Legal Battle Over Deadly Flooding

The ECOWAS Court has rejected a case filed by two NGOs against Nigeria concerning the destruction caused by the 2012 and 2022 Lagdo Dam floodings.

The lawsuit, initiated by the Incorporated Trustees of Prince and Princess Charles Offokaja Foundation (Nigeria) and a Swiss-based NGO, sought to hold Nigeria accountable for failing to construct a dam in Adamawa State to mitigate flood impacts from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam…….READ MORE 

The applicants argued that Nigeria’s failure to act led to extensive damage, loss of life, displacement, and economic disruptions across 14 states. They claimed that a dam project could have prevented the flooding, provided irrigation, and generated electricity.

However, delivering judgment, Justice Sengu Koroma dismissed the case, citing the NGOs’ lack of legal standing. The Swiss organization was ruled ineligible to file a case in the ECOWAS Court, while the Nigerian NGO failed to meet the criteria for public interest litigation.

“While the applicants referenced a broad class of victims, the court is unable to identify specific individuals whose rights were allegedly violated,” Justice Koroma stated.

Nigeria’s defense highlighted past measures, including a feasibility study conducted in 1982 and a 2024 Senate resolution for the dredging of the Benue and Niger Rivers. The government also emphasized its ongoing collaboration with Cameroon to manage flooding risks.

The case was heard by Justices Sengu Koroma, Dupe Atoki, and Edward Asante.