NCC Tasks Judiciary On Advancing Digital Transformation, Economy
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has charged the Nigerian judiciary to play a pivotal role in supporting the country’s digital transformation and to also collaborate in the effort to drive Nigeria’s digital economy.
The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, who gave the charge on Tuesday in Lagos at a two-day annual workshop for judges on Legal Issues in Telecommunications, noted that the judiciary now depended on digital tools and technologies to carry out its functions.
Maida noted that most of the work judges do have been transformed over time by the introduction of technology, adding that it has commendably improved the pace and quality of justice delivery system in the country.
Maida noted that no sector of national life was left out of the digital transformation conversation, adding that it impacts all of us.
According to the NCC boss; “Increasingly over the years, telecommunication infrastructure has suffered from disruptions due to extensive damage from vandalism and theft, fiber cuts by construction companies to mention a few, and even restricted access that prevents operators from servicing critical infrastructure.
“The industry has long called for special protections to be accorded to these assets to ensure continuous connectivity and reliable communication services.
“The Presidential Order designating telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure requires judicial support to ensure effective implementation.
“Under this Order, individuals, organisations, or even government agencies are prohibited from sealing, removing, or damaging telecommunications infrastructure without a lawful court order,” he said.
Maida also said that the courts might occasionally receive requests for orders to grant exceptions to the protections afforded to Critical National Information Infrastructures.
He said that during the workshop, insights would be provided to support judicial discretion in evaluating such requests, adding that the order would safeguard vital telecommunication assets, enhance national security, and promote economic growth.
According to Maida; “The judiciary’s role in protecting fundamental rights, enforcing contracts, and developing digital jurisprudence is vital to Nigeria’s digital transformation”.
Maida said that the NCC was working with key stakeholders, including the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, to ensure seamless implementation of the Presidential Order.
He further said; “The judiciary’s role in shaping Nigeria’s digital future cannot be overstated. We must work together to ensure Nigeria remains competitive in the global digital economy.
“Nigeria’s digital economy has tremendous potential for growth, with revenues projected to reach 18.30 billion dollars by 2026. The country’s digital transformation is expected to create employment opportunities, reduce poverty, and promote innovation,” he said.
In her address, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, commended the NCC for its efforts at protecting consumers from unfair practices by service providers.
The CJN who was represented by Justice Jummai Sankey, Justice of the Supreme Court, said that the Nigerian judiciary remain committed to the development of the telecommunications sector.
The CJN assured that to show commitment, the judiciary would continue to ensure coherence in the interpretation of the relevant laws as well as transparency and efficiency in the dispensation of justice.
Kekere-Ekun noted the pressing concerns, including cybersecurity risks, consumer data protection, and the critical need for improved dispute resolution frameworks within the digital economy and expressed the hope that the workshop would help judicial officers gain the technical expertise needed to tackle emerging legal challenges in telecommunications
