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Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has called for the development of a stronger and more responsive legal framework to address emerging governance challenges in the digital age.
Amupitan made the call at the 47th Founders’ Day Lecture of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), held at the Ayo Ajomo Auditorium, University of Lagos, yesterday.
The lecture, themed: “Civic Participation, Rule of Law and Accountable Governance in a Digital Era,” focused on the intersection of technology, law, and governance in contemporary society.
According to the INEC chairman, the rapid evolution of the digital environment has significantly transformed governance across the globe, necessitating urgent reforms in Nigeria’s legal and institutional frameworks to safeguard democratic processes.
He stressed that the digital era demands stronger collaboration among legal scholars, policymakers, technologists, and civil society organisations to build an inclusive and accountable governance structure.
Amupitan noted that while technology has enhanced citizens’ participation and improved transparency, it also poses significant risks, including misinformation, digital manipulation, data breaches, and concerns surrounding artificial intelligence.
“These developments continue to test the nation’s legal system, underscoring the need for laws that can keep pace with technological advancements,” he said.
He warned that technological innovations must not outstrip regulation or undermine democratic institutions, urging stakeholders to adopt forward-looking legal frameworks.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Amupitan described it as an opportunity to assess the legacy and relevance of NIALS in driving legal reforms and national development.
He emphasized that institutions remain relevant through adaptability, responsiveness, and societal impact, rather than historical achievements alone.
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The INEC chairman commended NIALS for its contributions to legal development, describing it as a critical bridge between theory and practice in legal scholarship. He further urged the institute to deepen its engagement with emerging issues in digital governance.
In his remarks, the Director-General of NIALS, Prof. Abdulqadir Abikan, reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to advancing legal knowledge and supporting governance through research.
Abikan said the Founders’ Day Lecture reflects the vision of the 1966 conference of the Nigerian Association of Law Teachers, which led to the establishment of the institute despite the disruptions caused by the civil war.
He paid tribute to past legal icons and former directors-general whose contributions shaped NIALS into Nigeria’s apex legal research institution.
According to him, the institute continues to support government agencies through research in areas such as criminal justice, environmental law, anti-money laundering reforms, and consumer protection.
He disclosed that NIALS recently concluded a MacArthur-funded project that produced policy bulletins, case digests, and 23 drafted court rules and practice directions.
Abikan added that the institute trained 972 participants in 2025 through 31 capacity-building programmes, excluding public lectures and hybrid seminars.
He, however, acknowledged challenges including inflation, staff attrition, and the institute’s temporary office status in Abuja, noting that progress is being made to address them.
The director-general also announced the recovery of the institute’s long-disputed property in Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, following a 16-year legal battle.
He appealed to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to support the completion of the institute’s permanent headquarters in Abuja.
