The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has urged the adoption of a robust and adaptive legal framework to address emerging governance challenges in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Amupitan made the call on Tuesday while chairing the 47th Founders’ Day Lecture of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) at the Ayo Ajomo Auditorium, University of Lagos.
The lecture, themed “Civic Participation, Rule of Law and Accountable Governance in a Digital Era,” highlighted the transformative impact of technology on governance.
“We are living in a time when technology is fundamentally reshaping governance. From digital platforms that amplify citizens’ voices to tools that enhance transparency, technology is creating vast opportunities for participation and accountability,” Amupitan said.
He also cautioned about risks in the digital space, including misinformation, data breaches, digital manipulation, and artificial intelligence concerns. “Technological advancements must not outpace regulation or undermine democratic institutions. Nigeria needs a forward-looking legal framework that promotes transparency while preserving the integrity of governance,” he added.
Dignitaries at the event included Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN), the Asagba of Asaba; Lagos State Attorney-General Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN); Justice Hakeem Oshodi; and Justice Modupe Nicole-Clay.
The INEC chairman described Founders’ Day as a moment for reflection and action, emphasizing that institutional relevance depends on responsiveness and impact. He commended NIALS for bridging legal theory and practice and urged deeper engagement with digital governance issues.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Mr. Theodore Maiyaki stressed that civic engagement extends beyond elections, noting the rise of digital participation through hashtags, online campaigns, and virtual communities. He warned that technology could both empower and manipulate citizens, calling for stronger safeguards such as enhanced data protection, cybersecurity, and AI transparency.
The Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, Prof. Abiola Sanni (SAN), called for closer collaboration with NIALS to advance legal scholarship, highlighting faculty developments like modern lecture facilities and digital libraries.
NIALS Director-General Prof. Abdulqadir Abikan traced the institute’s history to 1966 and highlighted its ongoing policy contributions in areas including criminal justice, environmental law, and consumer protection. He also announced the recovery of the institute’s Dolphin Estate property after a 16-year legal dispute and appealed for support to complete NIALS’ permanent headquarters in Abuja.
