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SERAP Wants Privacy Details of Election Data from INEC

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Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Mr. Mahmood Yakubu, chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to publish the details of safeguards and mechanisms put in place to protect the privacy and security of election information and data in the custody of the organisation, including in its servers, databases and other electronic formats.

SERAP Wants Privacy Details of Election Data from INEC

SERAP made the call  in a Freedom of Information (FoI) request dated March 26, 2022.

In the document signed by Mr Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP deputy director, SERAP urged him to “clarify whether any third-party is involved in the collection, control, and use of election information and data, the legal rules and processes guiding the choice of any such third party”.

SERAP also urged him to “clarify the other location or locations where election information is stored apart from Abuja, and the details of any third-party who has access to such a database, the safeguards and contingency plans put in place by INEC to address any threats to the privacy and security of election information”.

“Ensuring adequate safeguards and mechanisms to protect the privacy and security of election information and data would improve the ability of INEC to effectively discharge its constitutional and statutory duties”.

SERAP said: “This would also help to remove risks of attack and unlawful interference by any unauthorised person with election information and data”.

According to SERAP, “Widely publishing the details of safeguards and mechanisms of election data and information would also contribute to improving the sanctity and integrity of the electoral process, and public trust and confidence in the process”.

The letter, read in part: “Putting in place adequate technological security measures to prevent unauthorized access to election information and data would improve the credibility of the electoral process and the enjoyment of people’s right to participate in their own government.

“As an institution, which collects, controls and uses election-related information and data in the discharge of its constitutional and statutory duties, INEC has a legal responsibility to ensure adequate protection of such information and data from threats and vulnerabilities to attack or interference.

“Any interference by unauthorised third party in election information and data may be used for corrupt, political and other unlawful purposes, and would expose election systems to fraud and meddling, as well undermine the right to participation and the country’s democratic system.

“The right of people to participate in their government is a fundamental feature of any democratic society, and any infringement of privacy and security of election information and data would strike at the heart of representative government.

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel INEC to comply with our request in the public interest.

“SERAP notes that voter registration systems and voting systems are the most vulnerable and susceptible to manipulation by corrupt politicians and other actors.

“As the experiences in other countries have shown, election information is often susceptible to unlawful interference by corrupt politicians and other actors, which can be damaging to the integrity of the electoral process and democratic practices.

“The experiences of other countries demonstrate the need for INEC to take effective and transparent measures to ensure and protect the privacy and security of election information and data, which would protect the integrity of the country’s democracy.

“Any privacy or security weakness in any component of any of the election systems can be easily exploited to cast doubt on the integrity of the electoral process.

“Our requests are brought in the public interest, and in keeping with the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the Electoral Act, the Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s international obligations including under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance.

“SERAP notes that Section 9(2)(a) of the Electoral Act 2022 provides that INEC ‘shall keep the Register of Voters in its National Headquarters and other locations as the Commission may determine.’ The provision also states that INEC ‘shall keep the Register of Voters in electronic format in its central database.’

“Section 153 of the Act defines ‘electronic format’ to include ‘the electronic version of the Register of Voters or National Electronic Register of Election Results, as the case may be, created, recorded, transmitted or stored in digital form or in other intangible forms by electronic, magnetic or optical means or by any other means.”

The organisation said: “Section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution, article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and article 5 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights protect against arbitrary or unlawful interference with one’s privacy.

“Interference with the privacy of election information and data would clearly undermine the security of any such information and data. Similarly, Article 9 (1) of the African Charter provides that, ‘Every individual shall have the right to receive information.

“Article 2(10) of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance requires states parties including Nigeria to ‘promote the establishment of the necessary conditions to foster citizen participation, transparency, access to information, and accountability in the management of public affairs.’”

 

 

 


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Manager, Others Arraigned for Allegedly Hacking into Premium Trust Bank’s Server

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Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Tuesday, charged five defendants before a Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly hacking into the server of Premium Trust Bank.

Manager, Others Arraigned for Allegedly Hacking into Premium Trust Bank’s Server

The defendants are listed as the bank’s e-payment service manager, Matthew Adeniyi; Kehinde Odeyemi, a nursing mother; Samson Latshin, Bolaji Omotosho and Sunday Okunnola.

They were charged before Justice Alexander Owoeye, on a six-count charge bordering on conspiracy, cybercrime and unlawful access to the bank’s database.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Mrs. Zeenat Atiku, prosecutor, alleged that they committed the offence between April and May this year, in collaboration with three others, now at large.

Those still at large are Isa Ismaila, Victor Joshua, also known as ‘Oracle’ as well as one other, simply identified as Humble.

According to the charge, the first defendant unlawfully disclosed sensitive credentials, including the bank’s server IP and domain details, to these parties.

She said this enabled an unauthorised access to the bank’s database and the consequent data breach allegedly resulted in financial gains of $10,000.

The prosecutor also alleged that the defendants attempted to intercept the bank’s network and procured a Hewlett-Packard ProBook 440 G9 laptop (serial No. SN#5CD2473N6G) configured to bypass the bank’s security systems.

The anti-graft agency said the alleged offences contravened the provisions of sections 12(1)(b), 27, 28(1)(b)(c) and 28(3) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024).

Following their pleas, the prosecutor, requested for a trial date and sought an order to remand the defendants in custody.

Meanwhile, the court declined an oral bail by the defence counsel and directed that a formal bail application be filed.

He adjourned the case until June 30, for trial and ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Nigerian correctional centre, pending bail.

The court, however, added that the defence may apply for an earlier trial date, upon filing their bail applications.

 


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DBI Clocks 21, to Train 5m Workers  

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Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), the training arm of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has said that it plans to train not less than five million workers in two years.

DBI Clocks 21, to Train 5m Workers  

 Mr David Daser, president/CEO DBI,

Speaking at an event in Abuja to mark the organisation’s twenty-one years of existence,  Mr David Daser, president/CEO DBI, said that the investment in human capacity building by the Organisation is to ensure that Nigerians are well prepared to compete in the global market.

The event with the theme: “Preparing Today’s Workforce for Tomorrow’s Market”, chronicled the birth of the DBI 21 years ago and the journey so far in a documentary produced by the Agency.

“Today, we commemorate a vision that took root over two decades ago, one that continues to flourish through innovation, excellence, and transformative impact across Nigeria and Africa.

“The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) was established on May 20, 2004, by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as a Centre of Excellence for ICT and telecommunications training.

“Today, we stand proud with a network of campuses, global partnerships, and thousands of empowered professionals contributing meaningfully to the digital economy.

“We recall with pride that the commissioning of DBI was graciously performed by Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, whose commitment to knowledge-driven development gave this institution a strong and promising start”, the DBI President said.

Mr Daser said that the theme of the celebration, reflects the urgency of the DBI mission in a rapidly evolving digital world.

As technologies like AI, 5G, IoT, and cybersecurity redefine the future of work, DBI, he stated remains steadfast in its commitment to future proofing Nigeria’s workforce.

Not leaving out the architects that laid the foundation of the Institute, Mr Daser said that their legacies must live on.

“We owe our foundation to the foresight and patriotic vision of our founding fathers, notably the late Alhaji Ahmed Joda, former Chairman of the NCC, and Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, former Executive Vice Chairman.

“Their belief in the transformative power of digital knowledge gave birth to this noble institution.

We also honour the past Chief Executives who built the foundation upon which we proudly stand today”, he said.

According to him, upon assuming office in September 2024 as President/CEO, he inherit a resilient institution brimming with potential adding that since then, DBI has recorded several landmark achievements, which including a strategic partnership with Small Business Training Solutions (SBTS) Group to expand digital learning infrastructure.

Other achievements he listed include “the launch of the DBI Global Training Partner Program at our Lagos Campus;

“The ongoing Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Training Programme across all campuses.

“Graduation of Sightsavers training cohorts in Kano and Lagos.

“The commissioning of the Information Access Centre (IAC) by the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani”.

The Digital Bridge Institute is also working towards the implementation of the NCC-DBI ADEPTI Programm described as a high impact NCC-funded initiative set to commence soon.

Only recently, Mr David Daser, was appointment as chairman of the Digital Literacy Technical Working Group by the Federal Government, through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), a Development considered a strong endorsement of DBI’s national leadership in the digital literacy space.

“While these accomplishments are significant, they are not ours alone. We remain deeply grateful to our founding and sustaining institution, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), for its vision, guidance, and unflinching support.

“Looking ahead, DBI, through its global network of partners, aims to train five million Nigerian workers, across public and private sectors, in Artificial Intelligence over the next three years.

“This ambitious goal is already in motion, bolstered by the backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Minister Dr. Bosun Tijani, and Dr. Aminu Maida.

“Nigeria is poised to become a hub for AI innovation and training, and DBI is fully committed to making this a reality.

“To this end, we call on all Nigerians, leaders of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), State governors, and local government authorities, to support and partner with DBI in this critical mission. Nigeria must not lag behind in the AI revolution”, Daser stressed.

Like any other human organisation Daser discosed that the DBI has experienced its share of ups and downs over the past 21 years.

“In the recent past, we faced a particularly challenging period during which it became a herculean task to pay staff salaries and allowances.

“Our facilities and office infrastructure across campuses deteriorated, and staff morale declined significantly, leading to a sense of disorientation among workers.

“But beyond these tangible difficulties, there were more complex undercurrents, seasons when the compass between this vessel and its founding lighthouse drifted, ever so slightly, from alignment.

“A fog of uncertainty hung over questions of identity, structure, and status. These internal tides, though rarely seen on the surface, stirred deep within the institutional waters, creating a rift that tested the very bridge we were built to uphold.

“Yet even in such a storm, we did not abandon the helm. Rather, we recalibrated our direction with resolve and mutual respect, understanding that even a well-built compass must sometimes reset to find true north.

He emphasised that the journey back to clarity is ongoing, “but it is steady, principled, and constructive”.

He commended the Federal government for its support and commitment to bridging the digital divide and driving Nigeria towards inclusive digital transformation saying that the future is not just bright, it is solid.

“We assure our partners of our unwavering dedication to effective service delivery, as we continue to foster and sustain collaborative efforts toward making the world a better place for all.

“As we mark 21 years of DBI, we look forward with renewed purpose, to bridge the digital divide and prepare a workforce ready to lead in tomorrow’s marketplace”, he said.

Delivering a lecture on bridging the digital divide: collaborative pathways to ICT work development in Nigeria, Mr Shola Osiloja, lead speaker, said that for over two decades, DBI has stood as a beacon of excellence in ICT education and training in Nigeria, living up to its founding vision as a bridge across the digital divide.

Mr Osiloja who is also the Chairman, sector Skills Council for Information and Communications Technology SSC-ICT, was represented by Mr Emeka Okafor, secretary-Council.

He said that in 2004, when DBI was established by the Nigerian Communications Commission, Nigeria had just witnessed the successful auction of Digital Mobile Licenses.

According to him, Mobile penetration was less than 5%. “The internet and telecommunication was a luxury. Digital literacy was a term unfamiliar to many.

Presently he stated, “We have over 120 million internet users. Mobile penetration exceeds 85%. We have vibrant tech hubs in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and beyond.

“Nigerian startups are attracting global investment.

“This transformation – both national and personal – didn’t happen by accident. It was the result of deliberate, collaborative efforts to build digital capacity and bridge the skills gap.

“Let me take a moment to commend DBI.

For 21 years, DBI has not just trained individuals—it has trained a mindset, From ICT literacy programs to professional certifications, from rural empowerment initiatives to global partnerships, DBI stands as a cornerstone in Nigeria’s digital architecture”, he said.

Quoting the World Economic Forum, he said, “The World Economic Forum estimates that by 2027, 69% of companies globally will accelerate their adoption of AI, potentially displacing 85 million jobs while creating 97 million new ones.

“In Nigeria, the digital skills gap could cost our economy an estimated $11 billion annually in lost growth opportunities-The question before us is clear: How do we prepare Nigeria’s workforce not just for today’s market, but for tomorrow’s?”

Proferring solutions to what must be done to prepare Nigerian workers for tomorrow’s market, the Chairman listed Making digital skills the new literacyand to embed coding, digital marketing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and AI basics from secondary school.

Other suggestions he said include but not limited to, “every citizen must see digital fluency as fundamental as reading or writing.

“Institutionalise Work-Based Learning

Let’s make internships and apprenticeships mandatory in ICT programs. Let schools and startups co-design curricula that are relevant and adaptive.


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ABoICT Awards: Honoring ICT Innovators Driving Nigeria’s Digital Future

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The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector in Nigeria has experienced tremendous growth over the past two decades, significantly contributing to the country’s GDP and transforming various aspects of society.

 

The sector’s impact on the economy, education, healthcare, and governance has been profound, with numerous organizations and individuals playing key roles in its development.

As the ICT sector continues to evolve, its contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth and development cannot be overstated. The sector has created new opportunities for businesses, improved access to information and services, and enhanced the overall quality of life for many Nigerians.

To recognize and celebrate the efforts of those who have driven this growth, the Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership Awards (ABoICT) will hold its 16th edition on May 24, 2025, at Four Points by Sheraton.

This special edition, tagged “ICT Growth Edition 2025,” aims to honor organizations and individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of the ICT sector in Nigeria.

According to Ken Nwogbo, Editor-in-Chief of Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, the organizers of the event, “Most of these organizations and individuals have consistently been voted by our readers as leaders in their areas of operations, and we have decided to reward them in this special edition.”

The event will feature a keynote lecture by Prof. Adewale Obadare, Chief Visionary Officer, Digital Encode – Cybersecurity and GRC Expert, who will discuss the impact of ICT on Nigeria’s growth and development.

The lecture will highlight the importance of ICT in driving economic growth, improving governance, and enhancing the quality of life for Nigerians.

In his remarks, Nwogbo emphasized the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity, noting that AI-powered security tools can detect and respond to threats in real-time.

He also highlighted the need for robust data security, ethical AI development, and collaboration among cybersecurity professionals and AI researchers. “Artificial intelligence transforms cybersecurity by automating responses to risks, detecting unusual activity, and even foreseeing possible dangers before they occur,” he said.

The ABoICT Awards ceremony promises to be a grand affair, recognizing the contributions of key players in the ICT sector and celebrating their achievements. As the sector continues to evolve, it is essential to acknowledge the efforts of those who have driven its growth and development, paving the way for a more digitally empowered future for Nigeria.


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