Maryam Aminu
In a forward-looking move to strengthen Nigeria’s digital transformation, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI), hosted the 2024 Annual Judges Workshop on Legal and Regulatory Issues in the Communications Industry.
Held at the Sheraton Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, the high-profile workshop brought together distinguished members of the judiciary to engage with emerging issues in telecommunications and explore the pivotal role of the judiciary in advancing Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Themed “The Role of the Judiciary in Accelerating Digital Transformation in Nigeria,” the event opened with a welcome address by Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the NCC.
Dr. Maida emphasized the necessity of a collaborative approach to digital transformation, underscoring the NCC’s commitment to aligning with the judiciary to foster a legal environment that supports a secure and robust digital economy.
“This workshop offers a unique opportunity to forge deeper partnerships and understanding between the NCC and the judiciary,” said Dr. Maida.
“Our mandate to protect Nigeria’s digital backbone is crucial to achieving a truly digital economy, and the judiciary’s role in this endeavor cannot be overemphasized.”
Dr. Maida highlighted the NCC’s strides in securing critical telecommunications infrastructure, an essential foundation for the digital economy.
He applauded the recent Presidential Order signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in July 2024, which designates all telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII). This order is seen as a significant victory for the telecommunications industry, providing a framework to protect telecommunication assets, prevent disruptions, and hold violators accountable.
Dr. Maida conveyed optimism about the outcomes of the workshop, reiterating the NCC’s dedication to supporting judicial officers as they navigate the complexities of digital law.
Delivering a keynote address, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, commended the NCC’s efforts in the sector and the transformative impact the annual workshop has had on judicial capacity.
Justice Kekere-Ekun noted the crucial role of the judiciary in this new digital landscape, stressing the importance of safeguarding personal data and consumer rights amid increasing cyber risks and the expanding digital space.
She also pointed to challenges arising from the reliance on digital services in sectors like banking, where security breaches and technological glitches present a growing legal frontier.
“The judiciary must adapt to provide clarity and enforceability in both traditional and digital contexts. Our judicial officers are key to fostering trust and stability in this evolving landscape,” Justice Kekere-Ekun asserted.
The workshop featured sessions with subject-matter experts who examined legal principles in the context of telecommunications and digital infrastructure, offering judges insights on topics such as enforcing digital contracts, adjudicating disputes in the digital sphere, and developing a body of digital jurisprudence.
This event not only showcased the NCC’s proactive stance on protecting telecommunications infrastructure but also underscored the judiciary’s evolving role in interpreting laws for a digital Nigeria.
With the Nigerian judiciary’s active involvement, the country is poised to set a benchmark for legal frameworks that underpin a secure and progressive digital transformation.
The workshop stands as a testament to NCC’s commitment to building a resilient digital Nigeria and emphasizes the indispensable role of the judiciary in reinforcing investor and consumer confidence in the nation’s telecommunications landscape.
As Nigeria moves further into the digital age, the NCC and the judiciary’s combined efforts will undoubtedly accelerate digital growth, promoting a stable legal framework for technological advancement across sectors.
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