CJN, Justice Ariwoola lauds NCC over ICT development in justice administration

By Dansu Peter 

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has been lauded by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola  for its dedicated efforts in promoting awareness and knowledge of Information Communications Technologies (ICT),  particularly among the judiciary and the Nigerian public, describing the commission as a worthy telecom regulator in Nigeria. 

Justice Ariwoola made the commendation in his opening remark of the 2023 edition of NCC-hosted annual workshop for judges on telecommunications issues, which began in Kano on Monday. 

The CJN said that information technology and telecommunication services have surpassed the conventional method of court service delivery, as the use of the Internet is becoming a prominent feature of this era with innovative and interactive influences on the public, hence the crucial nature of the workshop.

Addressing the theme of the workshop, "The Adjudication Path in a Digital Era," the CJN said it strikes a chord with the current realities that judicial officers face technologies that has fundamentally transformed how they communicate, 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," he said.

The CJN and other Honourable Justices of the Supreme Court, Appeal Court, Federal High and States High Courts, and the NJI, were welcomed to the workshop by the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, who greeted them with the news that  the Nigerian Communications Act,(NCA) 2003, is currently undergoing a fundamental review to update its provisions. 

The nation's number one judiciary officer explained that the workshop presents a platform where the challenges facing the judiciary by the digital revolution would be effectively discussed and that it is also an opportunity to equip the judiciary with the necessary information to deal with the digital era.  

“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" Ariwoola said.