Judiciary Leaders, NCC Partner to Address Legal Challenges in Telecommunications

Judiciary Leaders, NCC Partner to Address Legal Challenges in Telecommunications

Lagos, Nigeria – November 4, 2024  

The 2024 National Workshop for Justices and Judges on Legal Issues in Telecommunications commenced today, with Hon. Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi, Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), welcoming attendees at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja. Organized by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in partnership with NJI, the event aims to equip judicial officers with insights into the complexities of telecommunications law amid Nigeria's digital transformation.

Justice Abdullahi emphasized the NJI's commitment to advancing judicial education through continuous training initiatives. "This Workshop is a testament to our statutory mandate, enhancing the capabilities of judicial officers to address emerging issues in this dynamic sector," he said. The theme of this year’s workshop, *The Role of the Judiciary in Accelerating Digital Transformation in Nigeria*, reflects the growing importance of technology in shaping the telecommunications landscape and the judiciary's crucial role in fostering trust within the sector.

Addressing the audience, Justice Abdullahi highlighted key topics on the agenda, including the judicial interpretation of the Critical National Information Infrastructure Order, challenges of identity theft and cyber vulnerabilities, legal perspectives on synthetic realities like deep fakes, and the complexities of legislative clauses within Nigerian law.

"This Workshop serves as a platform to explore legal strategies that will strengthen the telecommunications sector's functionality, with a focus on justice delivery in cases arising from this specialized area of law," he remarked, encouraging participants to engage actively in discussions.

Justice Abdullahi extended appreciation to the Chief Justice of Nigeria and NJI Chairman, Hon. Justice K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun, for his guidance, as well as to Hon. Justice John Inyang Okoro for his contributions to NJI’s programs. He also commended Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of NCC, for the Commission's steadfast partnership with NJI.

The opening session concluded with Justice Abdullahi inviting the Chief Justice of Nigeria to deliver the keynote address and formally inaugurate the workshop, signaling the start of critical discussions aimed at navigating the intersection of law, telecommunications, and digital security.

The Workshop is expected to yield actionable insights, enhancing the judiciary’s approach to telecommunications-related disputes and regulatory matters in Nigeria.