The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) say they have entered a data protection agreement to secure the nation’s 93 million voters’ records.
This collaboration, which was formalised during an interactive meeting between Dr. Vincent Olatunji, NDPC CEO and Professor Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman, was described by the two government agencies as “a crucial move to enhance the security of voter information,” in a statemet.
Yakubu stressed the importance of personal data protection in ensuring credible elections, highlighting that INEC manages Africa’s largest citizen database with 93 million records. He emphasized the need for robust data protection measures to maintain public trust and compliance with data protection laws.
On his part, Olatunji outlined the key requirements for INEC to comply with the Nigeria Data Protection Act. These include implementing a comprehensive privacy policy, appointing Data Protection Officers (DPOs) at all levels, and engaging a Data Protection Compliance Organisation (DPCO).
He assured that NDPC would provide free training for INEC staff and DPOs to ensure they are well-equipped to handle data securely.
According to NDPC, “the session covered topics like awareness, DPO qualifications, policies, and cyber attacks. An implementation committee with NDPC and INEC staff was established to enhance data protection and privacy, ensuring trust in INEC’s data processes”.
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