By Our Correspondent
National News – The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan (SAN), has urged the Nigerian government to implement a more robust and adaptive legal framework to address emerging governance challenges in the digital era.
Speaking at the 47th Founders’ Day Lecture of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) at the University of Lagos, Amupitan highlighted the need for legal and institutional reforms to safeguard democratic processes amid rapid technological advancement.
Amupitan noted that technology is reshaping governance globally, offering tools for citizen engagement, transparency, and accountability, while also presenting risks such as misinformation, data breaches, and AI manipulation.
“Technological advancements must not outpace regulation or undermine democratic institutions.
Nigeria needs forward-looking laws that promote transparency while preserving governance integrity,” he said.
The lecture, themed “Civic Participation, Rule of Law and Accountable Governance in a Digital Era,” also featured Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Theodore Maiyaki, who emphasized that civic engagement extends beyond elections to continuous citizen participation.
Maiyaki stressed that digital transformation has changed how society interacts, with citizens now engaging through hashtags, online petitions, and virtual campaigns.
He warned that technology could both empower and manipulate citizens, highlighting the need for safeguards including data protection, cybersecurity, and AI transparency.
He also called for rule-of-law enforcement to translate into tangible public benefits such as functional schools, hospitals, and essential services.
Prof Abiola Sanni (SAN), Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, encouraged collaboration with NIALS to advance legal scholarship, while NIALS Director-General, Prof Abdulqadir Abikan, reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to policy support, highlighting achievements in research, training, and infrastructure.
The event brought together legal experts, government officials, and traditional leaders to discuss adaptive legal frameworks for Nigeria’s evolving digital governance.
