NCC, Judicial Institute build judges’ capacity on settlement of telecoms matters
By Ogaga Ariemu
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in collaboration with National Judicial Institute (NJI), on Tuesday kickstarted a workshop designed to build capacity of Judges on rising legal and regulatory matters in the telecommunications sector.
Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta in his welcome address at the 2021 Annual Workshop for Judges said, the event themed “Adjudicating in a fast paced World of Technology and Digital presence” would equip the Judges with practical insights into emerging issues in the field of telecommunications.
“The aim of this forum is to further build the capacity of our distinguished Judges with practical insights into emerging issues in the field of telecommunications,” he said.
Recall that the workshop organised annually by NCC was conceptualized long ago and has held for 18 consecutive years to bring the judiciary officials up to speed with emerging issues in telecommunications.
The objective is to enhance the capacity of the judiciary to dispense justice in telecommunications cases from an informed position oriented in appropriate and contemporary knowledge.
Ownership of online content and materials, digital presence and online identity are among the numerous legal issues to be deliberated upon at the workshop.
Prof. Danbatta expressed hope that the workshop would contribute to the rapid development of telecommunications law in Nigeria.
He therefore urged the Judges to freely make contributions, raise issues that would assist the Commission come up with adequate regulatory measures that would enhance development in the Communications sector of the economy and better serve the interest of Nigerians.
Meanwhile, declaring the Workshop open, Hon. Justice Dr. Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad assured that the Nigerian Judiciary is committed to the development of the telecommunications sector and would spare no effort in ensuring transparent and speedy dispensation of justice.
Represented by Justice of Supreme Court, John Okoro, the CJN expressed confidence that the forum would further equip Judicial Officers with the legal and technical skills required for adjudicating disputes in this special area of the law, and in so doing, keep them abreast with global best practices.
“This workshop essentially avails the participants an opportunity to rub minds on current challenges confronting the telecom sector.
“I have no doubt that this forum will further equip Judicial Officers with the legal and technical skills required for adjudicating disputes in this special area of the law, and in so doing, keep them abreast with global best practices.
“I must commend the Nigerian Communications Commission for rising up to the occasion in its bid to protect consumers from unfair practices by service providers.
“The Judiciary on its part will not rest on its oars, as we will continue to interpret the relevant laws in line with extant provisions of the Law.
“Let me assure you that the Nigerian Judiciary is committed to the development of the telecommunications sector and will spare no effort in ensuring transparent and speedy dispensation of justice.
“In this light, investors and stakeholders in the sector will be assured that their assets and investments are secured,” he said.
Earlier, the Administrator, National Judiciary Institute, Hon. Justice R.P.I Bozimo said, the Workshop, over the years has exposed Judicial Officers to the rudiments of legal issues and technical aspects of the sector in order to keep them abreast of International Best Practices.
She said the workshop will deliberate on such issues as: Developing Telecommunications Law. Jurisprudence and Judicial Precedents; An X-ray of the Nigeria Communications Act 2003; Adjudicating Conflicts in the Era of Digital Presence and Online Identity; Liability and Attribution of Ownership of Online Content and Materials; Cyber Security and Safe Use of the Internet in Nigeria; Social Media Platforms as Channels for Service of Court Processes and its Challenges; Online Financial Fraud Gatekeeper: The Platform Owner or the Service Provider; Data Harmonization and Integrity: Linkage of SIM and NIN Data.
The Executive Commissioner Stakeholder Management (ECSM) NCC, Barr. Adeleke Adewolu, President, Court of Appeal, Hon Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem and other Justices of Court of Appeal were at present the workshop slated to end on Friday, 9th July.
