By Monsurat Abisoye
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has conducted a training programme for its staff on data protection and compliance as part of efforts to enhance the security of voter information and official documents.
The one-day workshop, held on Saturday at the INEC FCT Conference Hall, focused on equipping personnel responsible for voter data management with the knowledge and skills required to comply with data protection laws and safeguard sensitive information.
Speaking at the event, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for the FCT, represented by the Administrative Secretary, Mrs. Bimbo Oladunjoye, said the training was organised to update staff on data protection regulations and the legal consequences associated with data breaches.
The workshop comes amid concerns over an alleged unauthorised access to confidential voter information belonging to Nollywood actor Emeka Ike, who is a House of Representatives aspirant under the National Democratic Coalition (NDC).
According to reports, Ike’s voter information was accessed through INEC’s portal using valid staff credentials and was subsequently released without authorization.
The controversy emerged after voter registration details linked to Ike surfaced online shortly after he announced his intention to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives in the FCT. The records shared by Olayinka were alleged to have been obtained from INEC’s restricted administrative portal.
Addressing participants, Oladunjoye urged staff members to make the most of the training by improving their professional competence while maintaining 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 key areas including data protection rights, core principles of data privacy, 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 interactive group exercises and case studies centred on voter register management and the handling of sensitive documents, participants examined the legal and ethical responsibilities associated with data security.
The workshop further highlighted risks such as unauthorised access, data leakage, and the improper storage or disposal of official materials.
In his presentation, Oni emphasised the importance of effective password management, strict access control measures, secure filing systems, and the prompt reporting of data breaches as critical steps in protecting sensitive information and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
