As the digital landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says the judiciary stands as a vital pillar in shaping a present and a future where technology serves humanity,
Describing the judiciary as an active participant, playing a continuous role in shaping the legal frameworks that govern the new technological era, the commission said 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.
Its Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Dr Aminu Maida spoke in Lagos on Tuesday at the 2024 edition of its annual workshop for judges on legal and regulatory issues in the communications industry in partnership with the National Judicial Institute (NJI).
The NCC also emphasised its commitment to building enduring partnerships across government, including – and especially with – the judiciary.
He explained that the intent of the workshop was to forge deeper partnership and understanding between the NCC and the judiciary, with the goal of advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation.
This year’s theme, “The role of the judiciary in accelerating digital transformation in Nigeria,” he further explained, was chosen given the urgency of scaling up digital transformation across Nigeria, as well as the importance of improving coordination and synergy among key stakeholders for better beneficial outcomes on its policies.
The NCC mandate as enshrined in the National Communications Act 2003 includes the establishment and oversight of a regulatory framework for the Nigerian communications industry, as well as the promotion of efficient, reliable, affordable and easily accessible communications services across the country.
This mandate means the NCC plays an integral role in Nigeria’s transition to a truly digital economy. “An important aspect of this role involves facilitating the deployment and safeguarding of telecommunication infrastructure – which is essentially the backbone upon which digital services are delivered across various sectors of the economy,” Maida noted.
Maida observed that telecommunication infrastructure has suffered from disruptions due to extensive damage from vandalism and theft, fibre cuts by construction companies among others and reiterated the need for special protections to be accorded to these assets to ensure continuous connectivity and reliable communication services.
President Bola Tinubu had through the Cybercrimes Act of 2024 has designated all telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure. With this Presidential Order, the NCC boss said Nigeria now has a comprehensive policy framework to protect vital telecommunication assets—from base stations and data centres to fibre optic cables.
“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,” he said, noting that under this order, individuals, organisations, or even government agencies are prohibited from sealing, removing, or damaging telecommunications infrastructure without a lawful court order.
He revealed that the Office of the National Security Adviser, which plays a central role in coordinating the operationalisation of the Presidential Order, has already begun stakeholder consultations and meetings to facilitate immediate implementation.
“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,” he said.
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