General
SERAP Wants Privacy Details of Election Data from INEC
By Adedapo Adesanya
The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr Mahmood Yakubu, has been urged 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.
This appeal was made by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) in a Freedom of Information (FoI) request dated March 26, 2022.
In the document signed by SERAP deputy director, Mr Kolawole Oluwadare, 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.’”
By Adedapo Adesanya
President Bola Tinubu has said state governments are now receiving substantially higher allocations to drive development, while renewed investor confidence is attracting fresh investments into Nigeria.
Speaking at the maiden State House Media Dinner in Abuja on Thursday, the president described the development as evidence that his administration’s economic reforms are beginning to deliver positive results.
He defended the reforms introduced by his administration, acknowledging that they were difficult but necessary to reposition the economy for sustainable growth.
According to Mr Tinubu, stronger public revenues have enabled increased allocations to states, while improvements in the investment climate have boosted confidence among domestic and foreign investors.
“The difficult but necessary reforms undertaken by this administration are yielding results. Our economy is stabilising. Public revenues have strengthened significantly,” he said.
“State governments are receiving substantially higher allocations to support development. Investor confidence is returning.
“Our foreign reserves have improved considerably. The oil and gas sector is attracting renewed investment. The stock market has witnessed remarkable growth. Key economic indicators are moving in the right direction,” Mr Tinubu stated.
The president also said the administration was laying the groundwork for long-term prosperity through a combination of tax and fiscal reforms, infrastructure development and improvements to the business environment.
“Through tax reforms, fiscal reforms, infrastructure investments, and improvements in the business environment, we are laying the foundations for a more competitive, productive, and prosperous economy,” he said.
Although acknowledging that more work remains, Mr Tinubu maintained that the country was firmly on the path to sustainable economic growth.
“The journey is not yet complete, but the direction is clear, and the foundations for long-term growth are being firmly established,” he added.
On security, the president said his administration had sustained a multi-dimensional strategy that has produced measurable gains across different parts of the country.
He noted that intensified military operations, improved intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency coordination, and expanded regional and international cooperation had led to the neutralisation of thousands of terrorists and criminal elements, the rescue of numerous hostages, and the recovery of communities previously under siege.
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring peace and security across the country, saying every Nigerian should be able to live, work and prosper without fear.
The president also commended the media for its contribution to Nigeria’s democratic development while urging journalists to uphold professionalism by reporting accurately and responsibly.
“We are adversaries only in the democratic sense, as the media constantly distrust those in power. In nation-building, we are partners,” he said.
He described government and the media as institutions with complementary responsibilities, noting that while government serves through leadership and public policy, the media serves by holding those in power accountable on behalf of the people.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd (SNEPCo) has launched a $3 billion Contract Finance Facility in partnership with nine Nigerian banks to improve contractors’ access to funding and strengthen local participation in the oil and gas industry.
The facility is designed to provide credit support for local contractors executing projects for SNEPCo operations and will be available in both Naira and US Dollars.
The participating banks are First Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, Zenith Bank, Access Bank, United Bank for Africa, Stanbic IBTC, Standard Chartered Bank, First City Monument Bank and Fidelity Bank.
Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in Lagos, the SNEPCo Managing Director, Mr Ronald Adams, said, “The initiative reflects the spirit of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, which is aimed at in-country value retention.”
“Our partner banks offer capital and discipline. SNEPCo brings contracts and domiciliation of payments that de-risk lending. On their part, the contractors provide performance. Each is accountable to others, and the mutual accountability gives the arrangement its strength,” he added.
Also speaking, the Vice President for Finance at Shell Nigeria, Mr C. J. Akwaeze, said the scheme reflects Shell’s commitment to the growth of oil and gas operations in Nigeria.
The chairman of the indigenous oil and gas contractor group, the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Mr Wole Ogunsanya, represented by Mrs Joan Faluyi, lauded the scheme as a “gateway to unlocking contractor financing issues which will also drive efficiency in contract execution.”
Representatives of the banks commended SNEPCo for the opportunity to partner on an initiative aimed at empowering contractors and assured the company of their continued support and cooperation.
Nigerian companies have continued to play key roles in supporting SNEPCo’s operation and project execution. Earlier this year, 43 wholly Nigerian companies took part in the turnaround maintenance exercise at the Bonga Floating Production and Offloading (FPSO) vessel out of the total of 53 companies involved.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigeria has joined the International Energy Agency (IEA) as an associate member, making Africa’s largest crude producer the first member of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to do so.
The governing board of the Paris-based agency unanimously agreed for Nigeria to join the IEA family, deepening its cooperation with Africa’s most populous nation in a major advance for global energy governance.
“I am thrilled that Nigeria is joining the IEA – it is Africa’s most populous country and a major international energy player. Nigeria becoming part of the world’s energy authority marks a milestone for global energy governance. I am very thankful to President Tinubu and Minister Ekpo for their trust in the IEA,” said IEA Executive Director, Mr Fatih Birol.
“As Nigeria works to strengthen energy security, support economic growth and expand energy access, deeper cooperation with the IEA will bring important benefits for both sides. We look forward to building on our already strong partnership and welcoming Nigeria to the IEA,” he added.
On his part, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, lauded the decision, saying it will contribute to helping the country utilise its energy resources.
“I am elated with the decision of the IEA Members to officially welcome Nigeria to the IEA Family as an Association country,” he said. “It is an honour for Nigeria to join this leading energy agency, and I will take this opportunity to encourage the African continent to embrace the IEA, as we all work together to achieve key development goals including universal energy access and industrialisation.”
Nigeria’s growing role in international energy markets has been highlighted by recent developments in its refining sector. During recent periods of market disruption, increased fuel exports from Nigeria helped strengthen resilience in African and international fuel markets.
The IEA, in a statement, noted that Nigeria has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for decentralised solar solutions and is stepping up efforts to expand access to electricity and clean cooking.
The IEA governing board’s decision builds on a strong history of engagement and collaboration between Nigeria and the IEA since 2014.
In September 2025, the IEA, Mr Ekpo as Minister of Petroleum Resources and the African Energy Commission (AFREC) jointly convened a Regional Roundtable on Turning Methane Pledges into Action in Abuja, bringing together energy stakeholders from across the region to advance efforts to reduce methane emissions from the energy sector.
As an associated country, Nigeria and the IEA will work more closely across a wide range of energy issues, including on the Agency’s engagement in sub-Saharan Africa.
Created in 2015, the IEA Association programme allows the agency to deepen ties with its partner countries, bringing together major energy-producing and consuming countries from around the world.
Nigeria joins a network of 13 other Association countries that work with the IEA to advance secure, affordable and sustainable energy systems worldwide. As a result of this expansion, the IEA’s share of global energy demand has increased from 40 per cent in 2015 to over 80 per cent today.
-
Feature/OPED6 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism10 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz4 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking8 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy3 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking3 years agoSort Codes of UBA Branches in Nigeria
-
Banking3 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Sports3 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn