Chief Justice of Nigeria Emphasizes Judiciary’s Role in Digital Transformation at 2024 Telecoms Workshop

Chief Justice of Nigeria Emphasizes Judiciary’s Role in Digital Transformation at 2024 Telecoms Workshop

Lagos, Nigeria — The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON, delivered a keynote address at the 2024 National Workshop for Justices and Judges on Legal Issues in Telecommunications, held at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. Organized by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI), the workshop aims to enhance judicial officers' understanding of the telecommunications sector amid increasing digital transformation.

Addressing participants, Justice Kekere-Ekun highlighted the theme of this year’s workshop, “The Role of the Judiciary in Accelerating Digital Transformation in Nigeria.” She emphasized that the judiciary has a crucial role in guiding Nigeria’s digital advancement by interpreting laws relevant to the telecommunications sector, which significantly impacts the national economy and promotes globalization.

Justice Kekere-Ekun pointed out critical challenges within the telecommunications sector, including cybersecurity risks and the need for enhanced consumer protection. She noted that the increasing reliance on digital transactions, particularly in banking, has exposed vulnerabilities, such as the hacking of online banking platforms and system glitches. These issues, she explained, often result in legal disputes that require informed adjudication.

The Chief Justice expressed optimism that the workshop would equip judicial officers with essential technical knowledge to address these challenges and align with global standards. She commended the NCC for its consumer protection efforts and reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring fairness, transparency, and efficiency in resolving telecommunications-related disputes.

Justice Kekere-Ekun also acknowledged the contributions of Hon. Justice John Inyang Okoro, CFR, JSC, Chairman of the NJI Education Committee, and Hon. Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi, Administrator of the NJI, for their efforts in organizing the event. She praised the NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, and workshop moderators and speakers for their role in delivering valuable insights to participants.

Concluding her address, Justice Kekere-Ekun officially declared the workshop open, encouraging all attendees to engage actively and update their knowledge on legal issues in telecommunications.

SIGNED

Hon. Justice K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun, GCON  

Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman, Board of Governors, National Judicial Institute