Judges from across the country converged in Abuja to attend a workshop organised by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to brainstorm on legal and regulatory issues in the telecommunications industry.

In his welcome address at the 2021 annual workshop for judges on Wednesday, the executive vice-chairman of NCC, Umar Danbatta, said the event would equip the judges with practical insights into emerging issues in the field of telecommunications.

“This forum aims to further build the capacity of our distinguished judges with practical insights into emerging issues in the field of telecommunications,” he said.

The annual workshop organised by NCC was conceptualised long ago and has held for 18 consecutive years to bring the judiciary up to speed with emerging issues in telecommunications.

The objective is to enhance the capacity of the judiciary to dispense justice in telecommunication cases from an informed position.

Mr Danbatta expressed hope that the workshop would contribute to the development of telecommunications law in Nigeria.

He, therefore, urged the judges to freely make contributions and raise issues that would assist the Commission to come up with adequate regulatory measures that would enhance development in the communications sector of the economy.

Declaring the workshop open, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), and Chairman, Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Tanko Muhammad, assured that the Nigerian judiciary was committed to the development of the telecommunications sector.

“This workshop essentially avails the participants an opportunity to rub minds on current challenges confronting the telecom sector.

“I do not 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 of global best practices.

“I must commend the Nigerian Communications Commission for rising to the occasion in its bid to protect consumers from unfair practices by service providers.

“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.

The CJN was represented by Justice John Okoro.

Earlier, the administrator of NJI, Justice Roseline Bozimo, said the workshop will deliberate on such issues as Developing Telecommunications Law; Jurisprudence and Judicial Precedents; An X-ray of the Nigeria Communications Act 2003; Adjudicating Conflicts in the Era of Digital Presence and Online Identity; Data Harmonisation and Integrity: Linkage of SIM and NIN Data.

Ownership of online content and materials, digital presence and online identity are also among the numerous legal issues that will be deliberated upon at the workshop.