Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has urged judges and justices to stay updated with the ever-evolving landscape of the telecommunications industry by embracing digitalization in the administration of justice.
Justice Ariwoola made this call during the commencement of the 2023 National Workshop for Judges and Justices, a collaborative effort between the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) and the National Judicial Institute (NJI). The workshop’s theme, ‘The adjudication path in the digital era for Judges and Justices on telecom’, underscores the importance of this transition.
He emphasised that technology has profoundly altered how people communicate, access information, and engage in legal proceedings. The pursuit of justice for all remains a paramount objective, and adapting to these changes is essential.
The CJN highlighted the workshop’s significance, as it provides a platform for discussing challenges within the communication sector and devising strategies to address them. He acknowledged that as judicial officers, they could not ignore the fact that information technology and telecommunications have surpassed conventional methods of court service delivery. The internet’s prevalence in this era brings innovative and interactive influences on the public’s engagement with the legal system.
Justice Ariwoola also stressed the importance of examining the intersection of data privacy and information security law, given the vast amount of data generated and stored digitally. This raises critical concerns regarding privacy, security, and the protection of individual rights.
During the event, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, highlighted the need to update the existing legislation that governs the Commission, which dates back to 2003. He encouraged participants to make the most of the knowledge and experiences gained during the training.
Source: LawYard