- 9 Agho Street, Benin City, Nigeria
Call us :
- + 234 708 745 2889
- info@cfcomlaw.com
The Centre for Community Law (CFComLaw) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing knowledge of ECOWAS law and oceanic law across West Africa. Through research, public education, policy engagement, and its peer-reviewed academic journal, 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.
- Address
- 9, Agho Street, BeninCity, Edo State, Nigeria
- Phone
Where Law Meets Governance, We Hold the Measure
CFComLaw evaluates the actions of ECOWAS member states against their obligations under ECOWAS law — and engages governments, judges, legislators, and bar associations with evidence-based analysis and constructive dialogue.
Our Approach
Grounded in Law, Not Politics
CFComLaw’s advocacy is grounded in law, not politics. We do not represent party positions or factional interests. We hold ECOWAS law — its treaties, protocols, court decisions, and institutional frameworks — as the standard against which government actions should be measured.
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).
Key Areas of Advocacy
Where We Focus Our Advocacy
ECOWAS Community Court of Justice
CFComLaw monitors the Court's jurisprudence — analysing landmark cases including the Twitter ban (SERAP v. Nigeria), the Algom Resources case, and the Aladetoyinbo case on judicial independence.
ECOWAS Free Movement & Citizens' Rights
The right of ECOWAS citizens to move freely, reside, and establish businesses across member states is one of the Community's most frequently violated guarantees. CFComLaw advocates for full implementation.
Unconstitutional Change of Government
CFComLaw has published detailed analysis on the coups in Mali (2021), Guinea (2021), Burkina Faso (2022), Niger (2023), and ECOWAS's zero tolerance policy response.
Consumer Rights & Domestic Legal Frameworks
Analysis of domestic legal frameworks of ECOWAS member states, including consumer protection in Nigeria's telecommunications and energy sectors, and foreign investment frameworks.
Maritime & Oceanic Policy
We advocate for ECOWAS member states to claim and utilise their maritime entitlements under international law — including Nigeria's extended continental shelf award and ITLOS membership.
How We Engage
- Policy briefs submitted to governments, ministries, and the ECOWAS Commission.
- Public commentary and blog analysis on current legal and political developments.
- Roundtable discussions with lawyers, judges, policy makers, and academics.
- Engagement with bar associations across ECOWAS member states.
- Participation in conferences convened by the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice.
- Media engagement and public education campaigns on ECOWAS law.