The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the Federal Capital Territory has taken a proactive step by organizing a training session for its employees focused on data protection and compliance. This initiative aims to bolster the security of voter information and sensitive official documents.
Held on a Saturday, the one-day workshop at the INEC FCT Conference Hall targeted staff involved in managing voter data. The session covered critical aspects of data protection laws and the legal responsibilities that come with handling such information.
Representing the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Administrative Secretary Mrs. Bimbo Oladunjoye emphasized the need to update personnel on current regulations and the serious consequences of data breaches. She encouraged participants to leverage the program to enhance their skills and maintain high standards of integrity and accountability in public data management.
The training comes in the wake of a controversy where confidential voter details of Nollywood actor Emeka Ike, a House of Representatives aspirant, were allegedly accessed from INEC’s portal using valid staff credentials and leaked without authorization. This incident, which involved Lere Olayinka, an aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, raised alarms about internal security protocols.
Data protection expert Mr. Anthony Abodunrin Oni, a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Human Resources Management, facilitated the workshop. It delved into the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, data protection rights, core principles, and practical guidelines for handling official records. Through group activities and real-world case studies, participants explored legal and ethical duties related to data security, including password management, access controls, secure filing, and prompt breach reporting.