CJN Charges Judges to Embrace Digitalization in Adjudication of Justice

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has charged judges and justices to be abreast with the current realities in the telecom industry, by embracing digitalization in the adjudication of justice.

Ariwoola disclosed this during the opening of the 2023 National Workshop for Judges and Justices organized by the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI) themed: ‘The adjudication path in the digital era for Judges and Justices on telecom’ in Kano Monday.

He said technology has fundamentally transformed how people communicate, access information and conduct legal proceedings, adding that justice for all remains at the forefront of their efforts.

He pointed out that the workshop will serve as an avenue where challenges affecting the communication sector will be deliberated and modalities of addressing the challenges would be fine-tuned.

“As a judicial officer, we cannot deny the fact that information technology and telecommunication services have surpassed the conventional method of court services delivery as the use of the internet is becoming a prominent feature of this era with innovative and interactive influences on the public,” he said.

The CJN further explained that advancement in the telecommunications sector have assumed a central role in contemporary judicial work and life both within and beyond the courtroom.

“It is also crucial to prioritize the examination of the convergence of data privacy and information security law. The enormous amount of data generated accumulated in the digital realm raises critical questions regarding privacy, security and the protection of individual rights,” he stated.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, described the current Act which established the Commission, which was put in place in 2003 as anachronistic and needs to meet up with current challenges.

“We have the Nigerian Communications Act, which established the NCC in 2003, more than 20 years ago. That the current Act that was put in place in 2003 is anachronistic and needs to meet up with current challenges.

“We have the Nigerian Communications Act, which established the NCC in 2003, more than 20 years ago.

“A one-time Chief Justice of the Federation said this act is anachronistic, meaning it is old and therefore needs to be reviewed. I assured members of the judiciary that this review process is going on as we speak.

“At an appropriate time, members of the media will be invited to witness the presentation of the reviewed NCC Act during an engagement forum to critical members of the industry, as well as other Nigerians who subscribe to telecommunications services.” he stated.

Danbatta urged participants to make adequate utilization of the experiences they will acquire during the training.