….. NCC Hosts Annual Judges Workshop In Lagos
The Chief Justice of Nigeria , Job Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has commended the Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC) for its assiduous efforts at protecting consumers from unfair practices by service providers of Telecom services in Nigeria.
Similarly, the NCC said that
Nigeria now has a comprehensive policy framework to protect vital telecommunication assets—from base stations and data centers to fiber optic cables via the promulgation of a Presidential Order by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The CJN gave the commendation in Lagos at the 2024 National Workshop for Justices and Judges on Legal Issues in Telecommunications, organized by the Nigerian Communications Commission in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute.
The theme of the Conference is “The role of the judiciary in accelerating digital transformation in Nigeria”
Justice Kekere-Ekun noted that the deployment of technology in telecommunications sector 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.
She however noted 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.
Justice Kekere-Ekun assured the operators in the Telecom sector 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,” she stated.
The CJN also appreciated the relentless efforts of the Chairman of the Education Committee of the National Judicial Institute, Hon. Justice John Inyang Okoro, CFR, JSC, in putting together the curriculum and content of the Institute’s programmes.
She also thank the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Hon. Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, and their team for ensuring the seamless organization of this engagement.
Earlier in his address of welcome, the Vice Chairman/CEO of The Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida said the annual workshop for Judges on Legal and Regulatory Issues in the Communications Industry, organized by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI) is aimed at enhancing the dispensation of justice in the sector .
According to him, this year’s theme, “The role of the judiciary in accelerating digital transformation in Nigeria” 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.
“Over the course of this workshop, subject matter experts will provide valuable insights to further support the judiciary in fulfilling its vital role within our democratic framework, especially as it relates to the evolving landscape of digital technologies and communication practices,” he explained.
He said the 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.”
He said “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”.
