CJN seeks speedy adjudication of telecoms disputes

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, last week stressed the need for speedy and fair adjudication of telecommunications disputes to ensure requisite growth of the sector. Speaking at a workshop in Lagos for judges on legal issues in telecommunications, Mohammed noted that the Nigerian judiciary remains steadfast as a partner in the […]

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, last week stressed the need for speedy and fair adjudication of telecommunications disputes to ensure requisite growth of the sector.
Speaking at a workshop in Lagos for judges on legal issues in telecommunications, Mohammed noted that the Nigerian judiciary remains steadfast as a partner in the development of the telecommunications sector and Nigerian economy through accurate interpretation and enforcement of laws.
The CJN, who was represented by Justice of Supreme Court and Chairman, Education Committee of the National Judicial Institute, Justice Walter Onnoghen, noted that the Nigerian judiciary is undergoing various technological reformations that are repositioning the third arm of government for better justice delivery.
“In keeping with the best practices and the demands of a technological age, your lordships must possess a sound knowledge of law and procedures, while becoming proficient in the use of Information Technology so as to expedite justice delivery to our fellow citizens,” he said.
He added that the Nigerian telecommunications industry has grown exponentially in recent years and the rapid growth has led to increasingly complex and dynamic transactions resulting in disputes.
He said judges are now required to possess adequate knowledge and skills to efficiently adjudicate on the cases that may come before them.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Garba Dambatta, explained that the workshop was conceptualized to bridge knowledge gaps in the topical and emerging areas of telecommunications with a view to keep the judiciary abreast of key relevant issues in the industry.
“Such vital knowledge of the telecommunications industry will ensure that the judiciary is able to competently navigate relevant legal issues presented for adjudication,” Dambatta added.
He urged the judges to actively engage the presenters and discussants, exchange ideas and obtain clarifications on nagging questions and issues relevant to deliberation at the workshop.