The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has encouraged judges and justices to keep up with current telecom sector realities by adopting digitalisation in the administration of justice.
Ariwoola made the announcement at the start of the 2023 National Workshop for Judges and Justices in Kano, which was organized by the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI) and was themed: ‘The adjudication path in the digital era for Judges and Justices on telecom’.
He stated that technology has significantly changed how people communicate, access information, and conduct judicial proceedings, but that justice for all is still at the heart of their efforts.
He stated that the event will serve as a forum for discussing issues facing the communication sector.
“As a judicial officer, we cannot deny the fact that information technology and telecommunication services have surpassed the conventional method of court services delivery as the use of the internet is becoming a prominent feature of this era with innovative and interactive influences on the public,” he said.
“It is also crucial to prioritize the examination of the convergence of data privacy and information security law. The enormous amount of data generated accumulated in the digital realm raises critical questions regarding privacy, security and the protection of individual rights,” he stated.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, described the current Act which established the Commission, which was put in place in 2003 as anachronistic and needs to meet up with current challenges.
“We have the Nigerian Communications Act, which established the NCC in 2003, more than 20 years ago. That the current Act that was put in place in 2003 is anachronistic and needs to meet up with current challenges.
“We have the Nigerian Communications Act, which established the NCC in 2003, more than 20 years ago.
“A one-time Chief Justice of the Federation said this act is anachronistic, meaning it is old and therefore needs to be reviewed. I assured members of the judiciary that this review process is going on as we speak.
“At an appropriate time, members of the media will be invited to witness the presentation of the reviewed NCC Act during an engagement forum to critical members of the industry, as well as other Nigerians who subscribe to telecommunications services.” he stated.