The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has organized a National Workshop for Justices and Judges on Legal Issues in Telecommunications in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI).
The event which took place on Monday, 4th November, was held at the Sheraton Hotel Ikeja, Lagos.
In his keynote address, Justice Kudira Motonmori, the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman Board of Govrnors of the National Judicial institute, said; “over the years, this engagement has contributed to the expansion of the knowledge base of Judicial Officers with regards to emerging issues in the Telecommunications Sector. Doubtless, this positive impact is evident in the enhancement of the skills and capacity of judicial officers who have participated in previous editions of the Workshop.
“In view of recent developments in the sector, I believe the theme of this year’s Workshop: THE ROLE OF THE JUDICIARY IN ACCELERATING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN NIGERIA, could not have come at a better time. There is no gainsaying the fact that, the deployment of technology in telecommunications plays a pivotal role in the advancement and enhancement of the economic system of any country and invariably stands as a driving force towards globalization.
“However, considering the fact that the Workshop primarily seeks to highlight and proffer solutions to legal issues in telecommunications, I will like to quickly bring our attention to two issues which I consider to be pivotal and which revolve around cyber security and the attendant challenges of exploring the digital space.
“The first is the increased risk of the personal data of consumers being misused or compromised by unscrupulous persons, thus necessitating the need for improved strategies and innovation for consumer protection in the Telecommunications Sector. Also, worth noting are deficiencies in the Banking Sector and which are attributable to reliance on digital services provided by the Telecommunications Sector.
“There is for instance the major challenge posed by electronically backed transactions which is common place in the Banking Sector. Concerns in this regard include the spate of customers whose online banking platforms have been hacked, as well as banks being compromised due to technological glitches not factored into their day to day operations. Consequently, these and several other challenges have resulted in a number of disputes which frequently require adjudication.
“Ultimately, i am hopeful that this Workshop will avail Participants the opportunity to deliberate on current challenges confronting the Telecommunications Sector and to cross-fertilize ideas on the viable options and strategies to address these issues. It is also my expectation that the forum will equip Judicial Officers with the technical skills required for adjudicating disputes arising from the Sector and keep them abreast with global standards and best practices.
“Additionally, given the far-reaching impact of technology on every Sector and the urgency of embracing and adopting technological innovations in our various endeavors, I am confident that this engagement will offer insights into the immense benefits of digital transformation to both the Judiciary and indeed the Telecommunications Sector. Lastly and in conformity with the theme, I also believe the specific role of the Judiciary in expediting the said transformation will be spotlighted communicated in a concise manner.
He commended the Nigerian Communications Commission for its assiduous efforts at protecting consumers from unfair practices by service providers. “I wish to assure you that the Nigerian Judiciary is committed to the development of the Telecommunications Sector and as such, we will continue to ensure coherence in the interpretation of the relevant laws as well as transparency and efficiency in the dispensation of justice. I have no doubt that through our combined efforts, we will be able to secure and bolster the confidence of both investors and stakeholders in the Sector.
Earlier in his welcomes address, Dr Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), said that the theme of the year is especially fitting, given the urgency of scaling up digital transformation across Nigeria, as well as the importance placed by the government on improving coordination and synergy among key stakeholders to achieve more beneficial outcomes on its policies.
“I am delighted by this opportunity to forge deeper partnership and understanding between the NCC and the judiciary, with the goal of advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation.
Speaking on the role been played by the Commission in the digital transformation of Nigeria by providing the backbone of connectivity, Dr. Aminu emphasized the commitment to building enduring partnerships across government, including; and especially with, the judiciary.
“Our mandate at the Nigerian Communications Commission, as enshrined in the National Communications Act 2003, is a wide-ranging one that includes the establishment and oversight of a regulatory framework for the Nigerian communications industry, as well as the promotion of efficient, reliable, affordable and easily accessible communications services across the country.
“This mandate means that we play an integral role in Nigeria’s transition to a truly digital economy. An important aspect of this role involves facilitating the deployment and safeguarding of telecommunication infrastructure –which is essentially the backbone upon which digital services are delivered across various sectors of the economy.
According to the NCC CEO, ‘Increasingly over the years, telecommunication infrastructure has suffered from disruptions due 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.
“Drawing from the powers granted under the Cybercrimes Act of 2024 to designate what may be characterized as Critical National Information Infrastructure, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in July 2024, signed a Presidential Order that designates all telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure. This pivotal advancement for our industry was achieved through the NCC’s proactive advocacy and strategic collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.
“With this Presidential Order, Nigeria now has a comprehensive policy framework to protect vital telecommunication assets—from base stations and data centers to fiber optic cables. This framework strengthens our ability to decisively confront issues such as vandalism, illegal tampering, and preventing access to communications infrastructure, holding violators accountable to deter future offenses.
“Under this Order, individuals, organizations, or even government agencies are prohibited from sealing, removing, or damaging telecommunications infrastructure without a lawful court order.
“We anticipate that the courts may occasionally receive requests for orders to grant exceptions to the protections afforded to these Critical National Information Infrastructures. During this workshop, we aim to provide insights that will support judicial discretion in evaluating such requests.
“The Office of the National Security Adviser, which plays a central role in coordinating the operationalization of the Presidential Order, has already begun stakeholder consultations and meetings to facilitate immediate implementation. It is likely that, in the near future, vandals, thieves, and others who breach this Order’s provisions will be brought before your courts.
“We trust that with a deeper understanding of the harm and disruption caused by such actions, the judiciary will impose appropriate sanctions to serve as strong deterrents against criminal activity.” He stated
