The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has conducted a one-day training for its staff on data protection and compliance to strengthen the security of voter information and official documents. The workshop, held on Saturday at the INEC FCT Conference Hall, targeted staff involved in managing voter data, aiming to enhance their understanding of data protection laws and legal responsibilities. This initiative follows recent concerns over unauthorized access to INEC’s voter database, including the leakage of personal information of Nollywood actor and House of Representatives aspirant Emeka Ike.
The training was led by data protection expert Mr. Anthony Abodunrin Oni, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Human Resources Management. He provided participants with practical knowledge on data protection rights, core principles, and compliance guidelines under the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023. The session included group exercises and case studies focusing on voter register management and the handling of sensitive official documents, emphasizing legal and ethical responsibilities in data security.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Bimbo Oladunjoye, Administrative Secretary and representative of the Resident Electoral Commissioner for the FCT, emphasized the importance of the training. She urged staff to use the opportunity to improve their skills and uphold integrity and accountability in managing public data. Oladunjoye highlighted that the workshop was designed to update staff on data protection regulations and the serious legal consequences of data breaches.
The training comes amid growing public scrutiny over the security of INEC’s systems. Reports by DAILY POST revealed that confidential voter details of Emeka Ike, a candidate for the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), were accessed through INEC’s Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) portal using valid staff credentials. The information was then shared publicly without authorization, raising alarms about internal security gaps. The leak was allegedly linked to Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, who shared the data online shortly after Ike announced his political ambitions.
INEC’s workshop addressed key risks such as unauthorized access, data leakage, and improper storage or disposal of official materials. Participants were trained on essential practices including password management, access control, secure filing systems, and the immediate reporting of any data breaches. The commission aims to ensure that all staff handling sensitive data are fully equipped to prevent future incidents and maintain public trust in the electoral process.
As Nigeria continues to strengthen its digital infrastructure for elections, this training underscores INEC’s commitment to data security and compliance. The move is expected to reinforce confidence in the integrity of voter information management ahead of upcoming electoral activities.
Leave a Comment