The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) have initiated a strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing data protection measures within the election process. This development follows an interactive meeting held at the INEC headquarters, where both organizations sought to ensure the safeguarding of personal data of Nigerian citizens stored in INEC’s database.
Itunu Dosekun, Head of the Media Unit at NDPC, reported that Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner/CEO of NDPC, lauded INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu for his commitment to data protection. Dr. Olatunji underscored the significance of processing data in compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, highlighting the potential repercussions of data breaches. “All of us are data subjects; INEC is a data controller. We must process data within the laws provided in the Nigeria Data Protection Act. Any data leakage here can lead to a lot of issues, with INEC being a data controller of major importance in Nigeria.”
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Prof. Yakubu emphasized the gravity of data protection, noting that INEC manages the largest citizen database in Africa, comprising 93 million records from the last election. “We have the most sensitive records of citizens, from their fingerprints and facial biometrics, across the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, male and female, young and old. It is better to start sensitization now before it’s too late.”
Dr. Olatunji further detailed the severe consequences of inadequate data protection, including reputational damage, financial loss, and potential legal penalties. He pointed out that penalties for non-compliance could range between 10 million naira and 2 percent of gross earnings, with the possibility of imprisonment for the CEO.
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To ensure compliance, INEC is required to establish a privacy policy, appoint Data Protection Officers (DPOs) at headquarters and state levels, and engage a Data Protection Compliance Organisation (DPCO). The NDPC will also provide free training for INEC staff and appointed DPOs to prevent potential data breaches.
The meeting concluded with the establishment of an implementation committee composed of staff from both NDPC and INEC. This committee will oversee the execution of data protection and privacy measures, ensuring trust and confidence in INEC’s data processing activities.
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