CJN, NCC seek stronger judicial role in telecoms, online safety
Judiciary and Telecommunications Officials Emphasize Need for Technologically Informed Legal System
LAGOS, Nigeria — Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun and Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), underscored the necessity for a judiciary well-versed in technology to address the legal challenges arising from Nigeria’s expanding digital economy.
The comments were made during a workshop titled “Adjudicating in the Digital Era: The Judiciary’s Imperative in Connectivity, Infrastructure Protection and Online Safety,” held in Lagos. The event was organized by the National Judicial Institute in partnership with the NCC and attracted judges, regulators, industry stakeholders, and representatives from security agencies.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, represented by Hon. Justice I.M.M. Saulawa, highlighted the transformative impact of digital technology on various sectors, including governance, commerce, education, and social interaction. “The judiciary cannot remain detached from these developments,” she stated, emphasizing the need for legal frameworks to adapt while upholding justice and social order.
She addressed the increasing frequency of court cases related to digital communications, cybercrime, and data governance, noting that disruptions to telecommunications infrastructure pose significant risks to both businesses and society.
Kekere-Ekun also called for collaboration between regulatory bodies and the judiciary, stating that court judgments are vital components of the legal framework in a constitutional democracy.
In his remarks, Maida noted the rapid growth of Nigeria’s digital economy, attributing it to improved internet access, e-commerce, and emerging technologies. He shared that data consumption soared to more than 1.42 million terabytes in March 2026, a dramatic increase from 995,000 terabytes during the same month in 2025. Broadband penetration rose from 47.7% to 54.3% in that year, with telecommunications operators investing over $1 billion in network expansion.
Despite this growth, Maida pointed out vulnerabilities in the sector, including vandalism and cybercrime. He emphasized the importance of telecommunications infrastructure, which has been designated as Critical National Information Infrastructure by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighting its role in national security and economic stability.
Maida described ongoing collaborations with security agencies and the Office of the National Security Adviser to address these challenges, including initiatives to combat SIM-related fraud and electronic scams linked to phone numbers.
Chief Idris Olorunnimbe, Chairman of the NCC Board of Commissioners, noted the judiciary’s crucial role in fostering a secure digital environment. He expressed hope that the workshop would facilitate meaningful discussions aimed at developing effective legal frameworks to promote innovation and protect citizens.
The workshop included discussions on telecommunications resilience, artificial intelligence, cybercrime prevention, subscriber identity management, and internet governance, aiming to equip participants with insights into the evolving digital landscape.
