The Nigerian Communication Commission, NCC has emphasized the judiciary’s crucial role in Nigeria’s digital transformation and urges judges to be ready to protect telecom infrastructure when called upon.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Dr Aminu Maida made the call at the 2024 Worksop for Judges on Legal Issues in the Communications, where the EVC also highlighted the judiciary’s reliance on digital tools to enhance justice delivery.
The theme of the Workshop which was organized by NCC in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI) is “The role of the judiciary in accelerating digital transformation in Nigeria”.
The workshop was aimed at forging a deeper partnership and understanding between the NCC and the judiciary, with the goal of advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation.
Maida stressed the need for special protections for telecommunication infrastructure, which faces disruptions from vandalism, theft, and restricted access.
He called for judicial support to implement the Presidential Order designating telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure.
This order prohibits unauthorized actions against such infrastructure without a lawful court order.
Maida said the Commission following the President Bola Tinubu Cybercrime Order of 2024 Nigeria now has a comprehensive policy framework to protect vital telecommunication assets—from base stations and data centers to fiber optic cables.
He said, “This framework strengthens our ability to decisively confront issues such as vandalism, illegal tampering, and preventing access to communications infrastructure, holding violators accountable to deter future offences.
“Under this Order, individuals, organizations, or even government agencies are prohibited from sealing, removing, or damaging telecommunications infrastructure without a lawful court order.
“We “anticipate that the courts may occasionally receive requests for orders to grant exceptions to the protections afforded to these Critical National Information Infrastructures. During this workshop, we aim to provide insights that will support judicial discretion in evaluating such requests.
The Office of the National Security Adviser, which plays a central role in coordinating the operationalization of the Presidential Order, has already begun stakeholder consultations and meetings to facilitate immediate implementation. It is likely that, in the near future vandals, thieves, and others who breach this Order’s provisions will be brought before your courts.
“We trust that with a deeper understanding of the harm and disruption caused by such actions, the judiciary will impose appropriate sanctions to serve as strong deterrents against criminal activity.
“The judiciary’s role in protecting fundamental rights, enforcing digital contracts, and developing digital jurisprudence is vital for Nigeria’s digital transformation”, Maida said.
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, commended the NCC’s efforts to protect consumers from unfair practices and emphasized the judiciary’s commitment to the telecommunications sector.
She highlighted concerns such as cybersecurity risks, consumer data protection, and the need for improved dispute resolution frameworks within the digital economy.
Nigeria’s digital economy has significant growth potential, with projected revenues of $18.30 billion by 2026, expected to create employment opportunities, reduce poverty, and promote innovation.
The NCC is working with key stakeholders to ensure the seamless implementation of the Presidential Order and to keep Nigeria competitive in the global digital economy.
