As Nigeria moves forward with the implementation of the Cybercrime Act 2024, legal experts and judicial stakeholders are calling for immediate and specialized training for judges to effectively navigate the intricacies of cybercrime cases. With the rise of blockchain technology, online dispute resolution, and digital criminal activities, experts argue that these emerging fields require judicial officials to possess a deep understanding of the latest technological advancements and legal frameworks.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Abdul Balogun, emphasized the need for judges to undergo intensive capacity-building workshops focused on cybersecurity, blockchain technology, and intellectual property rights. According to Balogun, such training would enhance the judges’ ability to properly interpret and apply the complex provisions of the Cybercrime Act 2024.
“More training for judges would provide a valuable platform to deepen their understanding of cyber laws and address challenges posed by digital crimes,” Balogun stated.
An anonymous official from the National Judicial Council (NJC) confirmed that a substantial portion of the budget is allocated each year for judicial training. The National Judicial Institute (NJI) regularly organizes programs aimed at equipping judges with the necessary tools to handle emerging legal challenges. However, the official acknowledged that there is a growing need for more specialized training in cyber-related legal issues.
“Judges are trained annually through the NJI and collaborations with government agencies and corporate bodies. However, more specialized training in cyber-related areas is crucial,” the official remarked.
Constitutional lawyer Bello J. Akinwale also called for workshops specifically focused on copyright law in the digital age, enforcement of foreign arbitral awards, and violations of intellectual property rights across jurisdictions. He underscored the importance of continuous judicial education in adapting to new legal challenges brought on by digital advancements.
“The NJI should remain proactive in promoting efficiency and improving the quality of judicial services in our courts,” Akinwale urged.
In the same vein, Abuja-based lawyer Barrister Paul Aaron recommended that Nigeria’s judiciary seek international partnerships to enhance training in cyber law enforcement. He pointed out that foreign agencies such as the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Office (INL) and the Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training (OPDAT) could offer invaluable expertise to Nigerian judges.
While the NJC maintains that funds are allocated annually for judicial training, legal professionals argue that more targeted and specialized programs are essential to address the rapidly evolving nature of cybercrime. As the Cybercrime Act 2024 takes effect, stakeholders agree that ongoing training and retraining of judges are critical to ensuring the Act’s successful implementation and strengthening Nigeria’s efforts in combating cybercrime. Without prioritizing this essential capacity-building, experts warn that the law’s impact could be weakened, potentially leaving gaps in the country’s judicial response to digital crime.
