Nigerians Eager To See New Chapter Of Digital Justice- Maida
By Stella Enenche, Abuja
The Executive Vice Chairman,(EVC) Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Dr. Aminu Maida has called on judicial officers to evolve alongside technological advancements, saying Nigerians are eager to see a new chapter of digital justice.
He made this known on Tuesday at the 2024 Annual Workshop for Judges on Legal and Regulatory Issues in the Communications Industry, themed:The role of the judiciary in accelerating digital transformation in Nigeria”in Lagos.
Maida in his welcome address said judicial officers must constantly adapt to ensure that the rule of law is effective and enforceable in the online realm.
“As the digital landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the judiciary stands as a vital pillar in shaping a present and a future where technology serves humanity. The judiciary is not simply a bystander observing the digital revolution; instead, it is an active participant, playing a continuous role in shaping the legal frameworks that govern this new technological era.
“The judiciary’s ability to adapt and evolve alongside technological advancements is paramount to ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation are accessible to all, while mitigating potential risks.
“As the digital age advances, judicial officers must constantly adapt to ensure that the rule of law is as effective and enforceable in the online realm as it is in the world of brick and mortar. One key challenge lies in adapting existing legal principles to the complexities of emerging and evolving technologies. Nigerians are eager to see a new chapter of digital justice,” he said.
The NCC boss said there is need for the judiciary to partner with the commission .
“Ensuring and regulating Nigeria’s digital transformation is not a task that the NCC can fulfil alone. It involves strategic collaboration with key partners, and the judiciary remains one of our most important stakeholders in this regard. A functional digital economy is built on investor and consumer confidence, which are impossible in the absence of the rule of law – a critical element that is supplied by the judiciary. “.
” You will agree with me that we cannot guarantee a truly digital economy without being able to adequately protect this telecommunication infrastructure that underpins the digital economy. I am aware, as you all are, of the extent to which the judiciary today depends on digital tools and technologies to carry out its functions. Much of the work that you do as Judges has been transformed over time by the introduction of technology, commendably improving the pace and quality of the delivery of justice in Nigeria,”he said.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria,(CJN) Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, said the judiciary is committed to the development of telecommunication industry.
She assured that the judiciary will continue to ensure coherence in the interpretation of the relevant laws and efficiency in the dispensation of justice.
Kekere-Ekun said,”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.
The CJN added that ” 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.
