L -R: Hon Justice Habeeb A.O Abiru, Justice of the Supreme Court; Hon. Justice Babatunde A. Adejumo, Administrator, National Judicial Institute; Barr. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner Stakeholder Management, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC; Chief Idris Olorunnimbe, Chairman Governing Board NCC; Hon. Justice Ibrahim M.M Saulawa, Justice of the Supreme Court, representing the Chief Justice of Nigeria; Mrs Chizua Whyte, Head Legal and Regulatory Services, NCC and Hon Justice Obande Festus Ogbuinya, Justice of the Supreme Court, during NCC’s 2026 Workshop for Judges on Legal Issues in Telecommunications on the 14th May 2026 at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja Lagos.
BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR-Nigeria’s communications regulator,Nigerian Communications Commission,(NCC), has emphasised the need for judges to better understand telecommunications and digital security matters as the country increases its reliance on technology-driven systems.
At a judicial workshop in Lagos, Aminu Maida, represented by Rimini Makama, said telecom infrastructure now plays a vital role in Nigeria’s economy, security, and public services.
He explained that these systems have become critical national assets that support financial operations, public safety, governance, and citizen communication.
Maida noted that the rapid expansion of digital platforms has created new legal issues involving cybersecurity, online abuse, digital identity, consumer rights, and artificial intelligence.
He added that growing incidents of telecom vandalism, cyberattacks, and infrastructure disputes require judges to develop stronger knowledge of telecommunications laws and regulations.
The workshop was organised by the National Judicial Institute in partnership with the Nigerian Communications Commission.
The event focused on the judiciary’s role in connectivity, online safety, and the protection of digital infrastructure in a rapidly evolving technological environment.
Speaking at the programme, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun said courts must adapt to increasing cases involving cybercrime, data governance, privacy concerns, and online misconduct.
She stressed that technology-related disputes can no longer be treated as minor issues because governance, commerce, education, and financial transactions now depend heavily on digital connectivity.
Kekere-Ekun also stated that judicial decisions are important in shaping Nigeria’s digital legal framework, especially as the country seeks stronger broadband expansion, digital inclusion, and protection of its telecom ecosystem.
