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Who We Are

The Centre for Community Law (CFComLaw) is a non-profit, non-political organisation dedicated to making ECOWAS law accessible, actionable, and beneficial for the people of West Africa. We research, educate, and advocate — bridging the gap between regional legal frameworks and the communities, governments, and institutions they are designed to serve. Our work spans ECOWAS community law, oceanic and maritime law, environmental law, and the sustainable development of West Africa's blue economy.
Our Work
  • Our work sits at the intersection of law, policy, and community — and is grounded in the conviction that a legally informed citizenry is the foundation of a just, integrated, and prosperous West Africa. From the courtrooms of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice to the deep-sea governance floors of the International Seabed Authority, CFComLaw brings West Africa's legal interests to where decisions are made.
Why CFComLaw Matters
  • Our work sits at the intersection of law, policy, and community — and is grounded in the conviction that a legally informed citizenry is the foundation of a just, integrated, and prosperous West Africa. From the courtrooms of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice to the deep-sea governance floors of the International Seabed Authority, CFComLaw brings West Africa's legal interests to where decisions are made.
About CFComLaw
Our Work

What We Do

Four Ways We Advance Justice Across West Africa
Legal Education
We enlighten citizens, officials, and policy makers of ECOWAS on their rights and obligations under regional law — through seminars, webinars, roundtables, and community outreach.
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Oceanic & Maritime Law
We research how ECOWAS member states can benefit from their ocean entitlements — from governance to continental shelf rights, maritime security, & the blue economy.
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Policy Engagement
We evaluate government compliance with ECOWAS obligations and engage legislators, judges, and bar associations to strengthen the region's legal architecture & Institutions.
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Advancing ECOWAS Law. Protecting West Africa's Future

CFComLaw works to ensure that ECOWAS frameworks become a living reality for the citizens, institutions, and coastal communities they are designed to serve. CFComLaw holds observer status with the International Seabed Authority under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
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ECOWAS member states reached
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years of advocacy & policy engagement
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SDG Initiative listed in UN DESA civil society database
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ISA Observer — Int'l Seabed Authority, UNCLOS
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Areas of Advocacy

We engage across three levels: the citizen (through legal education and public commentary), the institution (through engagement with bar associations, universities, and civil society organisations), and the government (through policy briefs, roundtables, and direct engagement with policy makers, legislators, and judicial bodies).
ECOWAS Community Court of Justice
CFComLaw monitors the Court's jurisprudence closely — analysing landmark cases and communicating their significance to the public and legal community.
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Free Movement & Citizens' Rights
CFComLaw advocates for the full implementation of the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol and monitors state compliance, particularly as it affects Nigerian traders, migrants, & professionals across the region.
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Unconstitutional Change of Government
CFComLaw has published detailed analysis on the legal, constitutional, and regional implications of each coup, the application of the ECOWAS 'zero tolerance' policy on unconstitutional change of government, and the diplomatic and security options available to the Community.
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Maritime and Oceanic Policy
CFComLaw actively advocates for ECOWAS member states to claim and utilise their maritime entitlements under international law. We have published analysis on Nigeria's extended continental shelf award, the significance of ITLOS membership for West African states, and the need for ECOWAS to develop a collective maritime strategy.
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Leadership & Experts

CFComLaw is led by a team of distinguished legal scholars, practitioners, and administrators whose expertise spans public international law, integration law, the law of the sea, human rights, and policy development.
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Prof. Amos O. Enabulele
Prof. Anthony Osaro Ewere
Michael C. Agbo
Esther Allwell
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Latest from CFComLaw

Evidence-led. Community-centred. Regionally published.

Featured Videos

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Events & Programmes

CFComLaw brings together lawyers, academics, policy makers, students, and community leaders through a programme of events designed to deepen understanding of ECOWAS law, oceanic law, and regional integration
Webinars
CFComLaw hosts regular online webinars on current legal and policy topics, bringing together experts from across West Africa and beyond. Webinars are designed to be accessible to both specialist legal audiences and interested members of the public. Past webinars have featured professors, practitioners, judges, and policy officials from ECOWAS member states and international organisations including the ISA and ITLOS.
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Summits & Conferences
CFComLaw participates in and co-organises regional summits and conferences on ECOWAS law and oceanic governance. We have participated in the annual International Conference of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice and in ISA workshops, including the 2024 ISA Workshop on Harnessing Advanced Technologies for the Protection and Sustainable Use of the International Seabed Area.
Workshops
Our workshops are designed for practising lawyers, law students, and policy officials. They provide intensive, practical engagement with specific areas of ECOWAS or oceanic law — combining expert presentations with case study analysis and group discussion.
Roundtables
CFComLaw convenes expert roundtables that bring together small groups of specialists to deliberate on specific legal or policy challenges
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Air Pollution
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Water Pollution
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Land Pollution
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Eco System
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Partners & Affiliations

CFComLaw's work is recognised by leading international institutions and advanced through partnerships with universities and professional bodies across the ECOWAS region.

Partner With CFComLaw

CFComLaw welcomes partnerships with universities, law schools, bar associations, research institutions, civil society organisations, international bodies, and development finance institutions that share our commitment to legal education, regional integration, and sustainable ocean governance in West Africa.

    Justice Doesn't Happen Without People Who Care Enough to Fund It