Technology

CJN Commends Role Of NCC As A Worthy Telecom Regulator

September 19, 2023
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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been described as a valued telecom regulator for promoting awareness and knowledge of Information Communications Technologies (ICT).

Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola who gave the commendation emphasised that information technology and telecommunication services in the judiciary have transcended the traditional method of court service delivery while the use of the Internet has now become a key aspect of operations .

Ariwoola who is also the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the NJI, said the theme of the ongoing workshop taking place in Kano, tagged : “The Adjudication Path in a Digital Era,” tackled the current realities that judicial officers face while using technology which has impacted positively on how they access information and conduct legal proceedings. 

“We are obliged to embrace this transformation while ensuring that doing justice remains at the forefront of our efforts.

“It is also crucial to prioritize the examination of the convergence of data privacy and information security law. The enormous amount of data generated and collated in the digital realm raises critical questions regarding privacy, security, and the protection of individual rights. 

“As Judicial Officers, you are responsible for carefully assessing the legal implications of data collation, storage, and utilization and by striking a harmonious balance between fostering innovation and safeguarding privacy, your Lordships would cultivate trust in the digital ecosystem while upholding individual rights,” the CJN said.

EVC/CEO of NCC, Prof. Danbatta noted that the workshop afforded the Commission ample opportunity to engage the Judiciary on how to adopt digital technologies in advancing the course of justice.
He assured that the Commission will deepen knowledge of the digital future on the judiciary as a very critical and indispensable arm of government.

L- R: Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Adeleke Adewolu; Administrator, National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Salisu Abdullahi; Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Adamu Jauro;  Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta; Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola; Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Mohammad Lawal and Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, NCC, Ubale Maska,  during the NCC’s 19th annual Judges Workshop on Telecom Issue, a three-day event started in Kano on Monday (September 18, 2023).

Danbatta said the Commission is responsive to the rapid changes in the telecommunications and technology space and that NCC has taken steps to start the review of its enabling legislation, the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 (NCA, 2003) while assuring that stakeholders will get the opportunity to make input to the amendment.

Speaking on the importance of the workshop, Danbatta noted that the telecommunications sector has evolved since the NCA 2003 came into existence hence the need to be responsive in readiness to keep pace with the dynamics of technologies that will come.