The Nigerian Communication Commission, (NCC) has urged members of the bench to be prepared for the barrage of litigations on online content as a result of increase in online content and also economic value.
NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Prof Umar Garba Danbatta spoke in Abuja at the 2021 annual workshop organised by NCC in conjunction with the National Judicial Institute (NJI) for the Judges on legal issues in Telecommunications, with the theme ‘Adjudicating in a fast paced World of Technology and Digital Presence’.
Danbatta said ownership of online contents and materials would be an issue of dispute in the country given the way telecommunication is growing in every aspect of human lives, hence the need to prepare the judges and legal experts ahead of the challenges.
He said, “It is gratifying that in the last few years, the telecommunications sector has consistently driven the digital economy agenda of the government, as it provided the necessary impetus for the support of the Nigerian economy in the digital space.
“The increased reliance on Telecommunications, as well as the growth experienced in the sector has introduced some issues of legal connotation which will be deliberated upon by various experts during the course of this Workshop. One of such is the ownership of online content and materials.
“It is envisaged that with the increase in the amount of online content, as well as the economic value attached to it, there will be conflicts as to ownership of online content and materials. It is necessary that your Lordships are well prepared for the imminent increase in litigation in this area.
“Also with an increase in the number of transactions and businesses taking place in the online space, it is also expedient for your Lordships to be exposed to the peculiarities of adjudicating conflicts in this era of digital presence and online identity. The aim of this forum is to further build the capacity of our distinguished Judges with practical insights on these emerging issues in the field of telecommunications.”
The workshop, he said, therefore will further contribute to the development of telecommunications law in Nigeria and also illuminate the challenges and proffer ways to meet the dynamics of the changing times.
He said, “Based on the feedback received from participants in previous editions and the current state of jurisprudence on telecommunication issues, the Commission has high hopes that the current Workshop will further contribute to the development of telecommunications law in Nigeria.
“Hopefully, this Workshop will illuminate these challenges and proffer ways to meet the dynamics of the changing times. We are most grateful to the NJI, who are collaborating with us in this program, for the ever proactive role in ensuring the most conducive atmosphere for your Lordships to brainstorm and enhance professionalism and excellence. “
He also encouraged the judges “to glean as much as you can from the various sessions at this Workshop. I also enjoin you to freely make contributions and raise issues that would assist the Commission in coming up with adequate regulatory measures that would enhance development in the communications sector of the economy. We assure you that every view expressed would be respected and considered in this regard. “
In his Keynote address, the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman, Board of governors o Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad said that the judiciary will not rest on its oars as it continue to interpret the relevant laws.
Muhammad also said that the judiciary is committed to the development of the telecommunication sector.
“The Judiciary on its part will not rest on its oars, as we will continue to interpret the relevant laws in line with extant provisions of the Law. Let me assure you that the Nigerian Judiciary is committed to the development of the telecommunications sector and will spare no effort in ensuring transparent and speedy dispensation of justice. In this light, investors and stakeholders in the sector will be assured that their assets and investments are secured,” he said.
He further stated that “the Nigerian Communications Commission being a regulatory agency of the Federal government, ensures that operators comply with the extant rules and regulations; it has been a key partner in the continuous development of Judicial Officers in this specialized area of the law. It is my expectation that this partnership will continue in leaps and bounds. Certainly, the telecommunications sector has experienced a significant increase in the number of service providers which makes the sector more competitive and prone to abuse. Some of the risks to consumers have resulted in a number of disputes and challenges which invariably ends up in courts for adjudication.
“Consequently, the growing need for consumer protection in this sector is increasingly becoming complex for courts and the regulator in the converged setting of today, which includes issues related to e-transactions such as e-commerce, e-payment, and e-banking, all creating a major challenge in the sector. Be that as it may, this workshop essentially avails the participants an opportunity to rub minds on current challenges confronting the telecom sector. I have no doubt that this forum will further equip Judicial Officers with the legal and technical skills required for adjudicating disputes in this special area of the law, and in so doing, keep them abreast with global best practices.”
He therefore commended the Nigerian Communications Commission for rising up to the occasion in its bid to protect consumers from unfair practices by service providers.
