Communications Act 2003, Under Fundamental Review – Danbatta

The executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, has disclosed that the Nigerian Communications Act(NCA) 2003, is currently undergoing a fundamental review to update its provisions.

Danbatta, who disclosed this at the 2023 edition of NCC-hosted annual workshop for judges on telecommunications issues, in Kano, said, the commission is responsive to the rapid changes in the telecommunications and technology space.

The EVC averred that, NCC has taken steps to start the review of its enabling legislation, the NCA 2003, while assuring that stakeholders will get the opportunity to make input to the amendment.

“We have the Nigerian Communications Act, which established the NCC in 2003, more than 20 years ago. At one time, the Chief Justice of the Federation said this Act is anachronistic, which means it is old and therefore, has to be reviewed and I assured members of the judiciary that this review is going on as we speak.

“At the appropriate time, members of the media will be invited to witness the public presentation of the reviewed NCC Act to an engagement forum with critical members of the industry as well as Nigerians, who subscribe to telecommunications services. They will have a say during the presentation of the reviewed Act to the Public,” he further explained.

Speaking on the importance of the workshop, Danbatta noted that, the telecommunications sector has evolved since the NCA 2003 came into existence hence the need to be responsive in readiness to keep pace with the dynamics of technologies that will come.

The EVC noted that the workshop afforded the commission ample opportunity to engage the Judiciary on how to adopt digital technologies in advancing the course of justice.

Meanwhile, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola has applauded NCC, for its dedicated efforts in promoting awareness and knowledge of Information Communications Technologies (ICT), among the judiciary in particular, and the Nigerian public.

The CJN, who is the chairman, board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), said information technology and telecommunication services have surpassed the conventional method of court service delivery, as the use of the Internet is becoming a prominent feature of this era with innovative and interactive influences on the public, hence the crucial nature of the workshop.

Addressing the theme of the workshop, he said: “the Adjudication Path in a Digital Era,” the CJN said it strikes a chord with the current realities that judicial officers face technologies that has fundamentally transformed how they communicate, access information and conduct legal proceedings. We are obliged to embrace this transformation while ensuring that doing justice remains at the forefront of our efforts.”

The NCC hosted the 2023 National Workshop for Justices and Judges on Legal Issues in Telecommunication Matters in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI).