Nigeria, Aug. 14 -- The federal government has nominated Taoheed Elias as Nigeria's candidate for election to the International Court of Justice, considered the World Court, in The Hague, Netherlands.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, described Mr Elias as one of the most respected figures in international law.

According to the minister, the decision to nominate him was based on his contributions and his belief in the ideals of the international court.

"On behalf of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I am honoured to announce the nomination of Taoheed Olufemi Elias as Nigeria's candidate for election to the International Court of Justice @CIJ_ICJ.

"Elias stands among the m...