Leakage: INEC trains staff on data protection, compliance

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has trained its staff on data protection and compliance as part of efforts to strengthen the security of voter information and official documents.

The one-day workshop was held on Saturday at the INEC FCT Conference Hall and focused on equipping staff responsible for voter data management with knowledge of data protection laws and compliance requirements.

Speaking at the event, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for the FCT, represented by the Administrative Secretary, Mrs. Bimbo Oladunjoye, said the training was designed to update staff on data protection regulations and the legal implications of data breaches.

The training comes after confidential voter information relating to Nollywood actor Emeka Ike, a House of Representatives aspirant of the National Democratic Coalition, NDC, was reportedly accessed on INEC’s portal using valid staff credentials and subsequently released without authorization.

DAILY POST reported the allegations of unauthorized access to the Commission’s Continuous Voter Registration, CVR, database involving Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike.

The controversy erupted after voter registration details belonging to Ike surfaced online shortly after he announced plans to contest a House of Representatives seat in the FCT.

The records, shared by Olayinka, were alleged to have originated from INEC’s restricted administrative portal.

Oladunjoye urged participants to take advantage of the programme to improve their skills and uphold integrity and accountability in the management of public data.

The training was facilitated by data protection expert, Mr. Anthony Abodunrin Oni, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Human Resources Management.

According to INEC, the workshop covered data protection rights, core principles and practical guidelines for handling official information. Participants were also trained on the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 and other compliance obligations.

Through group exercises and case studies involving voter register management and the handling of sensitive documents, participants examined legal and ethical responsibilities related to data security.

The workshop highlighted risks such as unauthorised access, data leakage, and improper storage or disposal of official materials.

Oni also stressed the importance of password management, access control measures, secure filing systems and the prompt reporting of data breaches.