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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has intensified its collaboration with the judiciary to address emerging legal and regulatory challenges in the fast-evolving telecommunications industry. Last week, the NCC hosted its 18th Annual Workshop for Judges in Lagos, a forum designed to equip judicial officers with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of the digital world.
Themed “The Digital World and the Future of Adjudication,” the event, held in partnership with the National Judicial Institute (NJI), focused on intellectual property, dispute resolution in the online space, and legal liabilities in a hyper-connected digital era. Judges from the Courts of Appeal, Federal, and State High Courts were in attendance.
Bridging Legal Gaps in a Digitized Economy
NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, highlighted the workshop’s significance, citing the increased reliance on telecoms and digital platforms. He emphasized that the sector’s rapid growth has introduced legal challenges, particularly concerning online content ownership, data protection, and cybersecurity.
“With more businesses and transactions occurring online, conflicts are inevitable. Judges need to be prepared to handle these issues effectively,” Danbatta said, stressing the importance of equipping judicial officers with practical insights into telecommunications law.
He assured participants that the forum would illuminate the challenges of adjudicating in a digital age, particularly as the NCC prepares for a review of the National Communications Act of 2003.
Technology in Justice Delivery
Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola, represented by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, lauded the NCC for its commitment to fostering synergy between the judiciary and the telecom sector. He noted that the adoption of technology has significantly improved judicial administration and service delivery in Nigeria.
“The judiciary is committed to leveraging ICT tools to enhance justice delivery,” Ariwoola stated. However, he warned of risks associated with digitalization, including cybercrime, data piracy, and hacking, underscoring the need for judicial officers to be well-versed in relevant laws, such as the Cybercrimes Act of 2015 and the Nigerian Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) 2019.
The CJN also highlighted initiatives like the Nigerian Case Management System (NCMS) and Technology Leveraged Courtrooms (TLC) that aim to automate and modernize the judiciary, ensuring efficient case management and justice delivery across the country.
Driving Nigeria’s Digital Economy
The NCC, as the regulator of Nigeria’s telecom industry, has been at the forefront of the country’s digital transformation. With broadband penetration reaching 44.30% and over 84 million internet subscriptions as of June 2022, the commission’s efforts have laid the foundation for a thriving digital economy.
Prof. Adeolu Akande, Chairman of the NCC Board of Commissioners, called on the judiciary to play a pivotal role in fostering ICT development in Nigeria. “A functional adjudicatory system is the bedrock of a civilized society. Equipping judicial officers with the requisite skills for the digital era is paramount,” he said.
Strategic Partnerships for Sectoral Growth
In line with its Strategic Vision Implementation Plan (SVP) 2021–2025, the NCC has strengthened collaborations with law enforcement agencies and anti-corruption bodies to combat telecom infrastructure vandalism and fraudulent activities in the sector. This workshop aligns with the commission’s vision to deepen the judiciary’s digital knowledge and ensure a robust legal ecosystem that supports Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
The NCC’s engagement with the judiciary underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing legal gaps and ensuring fair adjudication in a rapidly digitized world. By preparing the judiciary for future challenges, the commission is laying the groundwork for a resilient telecom industry that thrives in Nigeria’s digital economy.
