CJN Kekere-Ekun Attributes Online Banking Glitches To Telecom Sector Dependence
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who also serves as chairman of the Board of Governors at the National Judicial Institute, has pointed to the reliance on telecommunications services as a major factor behind the persistent glitches in the nation’s banking sector.
In her keynote speech at the 2024 National Workshop for Justices and Judges on Legal Issues in Telecommunications, themed ‘The Role of the Judiciary in Accelerating Digital Transformation in Nigeria,’ Justice Kekere-Ekun highlighted the role of telecom providers in digital banking disruptions. The remarks come amid increasing reports of service failures, such as the August 14, 2024, incident when the Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) website experienced significant downtime, sparking concerns over potential data breaches.
Addressing attendees, the CJN remarked, “I wish to draw attention to pivotal issues surrounding cybersecurity and the challenges of navigating the digital space. There is an increased risk of consumer data misuse or compromise by unscrupulous actors, underscoring the need for enhanced strategies for consumer protection within the telecommunications sector.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun pointed out the direct impact of telecom service issues on the banking industry, stating, “Deficiencies in the banking sector can often be traced to reliance on digital services provided by the telecommunications sector, presenting challenges with electronic transactions.”
These issues have led to widespread problems, including the hacking of online banking systems and vulnerabilities that compromise bank operations. “These technological glitches and security breaches have resulted in a range of disputes that often require judicial intervention,” she added.
The CJN emphasized the importance of technology in bolstering a country’s economic framework but called for solutions to the legal challenges emerging from digital services in telecommunications. She concluded with an expectation that the workshop would equip judicial officers with the necessary technical skills for resolving such disputes and keeping pace with global best practices.
