The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has cautioned judicial officials about the risks associated with data breaches, cyber threats, and online systems as they adopt digitalization. This warning comes at a time when the judiciary is increasingly relying on technology to improve access to justice and efficiency in the court system.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, represented by Justice Salisu Garba, Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, highlighted the judiciary’s vulnerability to cyber information, and classified government data makes it an attractive target for cyber criminals
Key Points
– Data Breach Risks: The CJN emphasized that the judiciary handles sensitive information, making it a prime target for cyber attacks.
– Cybersecurity Measures: Judicial ICT staff must be trained in cybersecurity best practices, encryption technologies, and secure data storage solutions.
– Technological Advancements: The National Judicial Council has implemented the Judiciary Information Technology Policy to keep pace with technological advancements.
The CJN made this statement at the 2025 National Workshop on Information and Communication Technology, themed “The Digital Evolution of Judicial Systems: Technology, Access and Efficiency.” The workshop aimed to equip court personnel with the necessary skills to keep up with technological advancements.
The CJN’s caution highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in the judiciary to protect sensitive information and maintain public trust. The judiciary’s adoption of digitalization has brought about numerous benefits, including improved access to justice and increased efficiency. However, it also poses significant risks, including data breaches and cyber threats.
The judiciary’s cybersecurity framework is critical in protecting sensitive information and maintaining public trust. The CJN’s warning highlights the need for judicial officials to prioritize cybersecurity and data protection in their daily operations. This includes implementing robust cybersecurity measures, such as encryption technologies and secure data storage solutions.
Judicial ICT staff play a critical role in ensuring the security of the judiciary’s digital systems. They must be trained in cybersecurity best practices and equipped with the necessary skills to respond to cyber threats. The CJN’s warning highlights the need for ongoing training and capacity-building programs for judicial ICT staff.
The National Judicial Council has taken steps to address the risks associated with data breaches and cyber threats. The council has implemented the Judiciary Information Technology Policy, which provides a framework for the deployment and utilization of ICT in courts. The policy aims to improve access to justice and increase efficiency in the court system.
The CJN’s caution serves as a reminder of the need for judicial officials to prioritize cybersecurity and data protection in their daily operations. The judiciary’s adoption of digitalization has brought about numerous benefits, but it also poses significant risks. Robust cybersecurity measures, ongoing training and capacity-building programs for judicial ICT staff, and effective implementation of the Judiciary Information Technology Policy are critical in protecting sensitive information and maintaining public trust.