Nigeria, May 9 -- Nigerian international lawyer Taoheed Elias has been elected to the United Nations International Law Commission (ILC).

This is the body which helps develop and codify International law.

Mr Elias was elected during the 77th Session of the Commission, held in Geneva on Monday, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In a statement on Thursday, the ministry said the Nigerian jurist was elected to fill the vacancy left by Kenya's Phoebe Okowa's resignation.

His election followed a competitive process involving candidates from Botswana and Ghana.

"Dr Elias was elected to fill the casual vacancy created by the resignation of Kenya's representative, Professor Phoebe Okowa, after a highly competitive process involving...