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The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has organised training for its staff on data protection and compliance as part of efforts aimed at strengthening the security of voter information and official records.

The one-day workshop, which took place on Saturday at the INEC FCT Conference Hall, focused on equipping personnel responsible for voter data management with knowledge of data protection laws and compliance procedures.

Speaking during the event, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for the FCT, represented by the Administrative Secretary, Mrs. Bimbo Oladunjoye, stated that the training was intended to update staff on data protection regulations and the legal consequences of data breaches.

The training followed reports that confidential voter information belonging to Nollywood actor and House of Representatives aspirant under the National Democratic Coalition, NDC, Emeka Ike, was allegedly accessed through INEC’s portal using valid staff credentials and later released without authorisation.

ZINGTIE had reported allegations of unauthorised 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 began after voter registration details linked to Ike surfaced online shortly after he announced his intention to contest for a House of Representatives seat in the FCT.

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

Oladunjoye encouraged participants to maximise the opportunity provided by the programme to enhance their skills while maintaining integrity and accountability in the management of public data.

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

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

Through group exercises and case studies involving voter register management and the handling of sensitive documents, participants examined the legal and ethical obligations associated with data security.

The workshop also highlighted risks including unauthorised access, data leakage, and improper storage or disposal of official documents.

Oni further emphasised the importance of password management, access control systems, secure filing methods, and the prompt reporting of data breaches.

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