News Highlights:
- Telecoms Infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure
- Judiciary’s Role in Advancing Digital Justice
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to driving Nigeria’s digital transformation by providing essential connectivity infrastructure and fostering strategic partnerships across government, especially with the judiciary, reports Digital TimesNG.
Speaking at the 2024 National Workshop For Justices And Judges On Legal Issues In Telecommunications held at Sheraton Hotel Ikeja, Lagos, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida emphasized NCC’s mandate to provide reliable, affordable, and accessible communications across the country, as established by the National Communications Act of 2003, noting that this mission is central to advancing Nigeria’s shift toward a digital economy.
Maida noted that a crucial development in this mission came in July 2024, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed an order designating telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII).
This designation, achieved through the NCC’s advocacy in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, aims to protect critical assets like base stations, data centres, and fibre optics from disruptions caused by vandalism, theft, and restricted access.
He stated that with the CNII framework in place, any tampering with telecommunication infrastructure is now prohibited unless authorized by a court order and noted that the NCC anticipates court cases related to exceptions under this order and is preparing to collaborate closely with the judiciary to uphold these protections.
“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,” Maida noted, adding that the NCC also underscored the judiciary’s role in upholding digital justice, from protecting privacy and resolving digital disputes to developing digital jurisprudence.
“This workshop will serve as a platform for the Commission to share insights into the workings of the Critical National Information Infrastructure Presidential Order, its significance, and the crucial role of the judiciary in bringing the Order’s provisions to life, ultimately supporting the accelerated digital transformation that will drive our nation forward,” Maida said.
While emphasising the essential role of the judiciary in supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation, Maida stated that the journey to a fully digital economy requires strong legal frameworks and collaboration with key partners, particularly the judiciary, noting that investor and consumer confidence in the digital economy is built on the rule of law, a foundation provided by judicial institutions.
“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,” Maida said.
To meet these challenges, the NCC outlined key responsibilities for the judiciary in shaping digital justice, including protecting fundamental rights, enforcing digital contracts and resolving disputes, developing digital jurisprudence, and promoting innovation.
The NCC Executive Vice Chairman expressed optimism that the workshop, held in partnership with the National Judicial Institute (NJI), would contribute significantly to the development of Nigeria’s communications law, benefiting all stakeholders in the digital landscape.