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Independent National Electoral Commission trains ICT staff on cybersecurity practices.
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Programme organised with support from International Foundation for Electoral Systems.
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Training focuses on protecting election technologies ahead of the 2027 polls in Nigeria.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced a two-day cyber hygiene awareness workshop aimed at strengthening the security of its digital infrastructure as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 general elections.
The workshop, organised under the leadership of INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, brought together ICT personnel and other technical staff of the commission to deepen their understanding of emerging cyber threats and reinforce best practices for protecting election-related technologies.
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Speaking on behalf of the Director of ICT, Bayode Lawrence, the Deputy Director (Communications), Lawal Umar, said the training became necessary due to the commission’s increasing reliance on digital systems in the conduct of elections.
According to him, the growing adoption of technology in electoral processes makes it essential for staff to maintain strong cyber hygiene practices in order to safeguard sensitive data and protect the commission’s technological infrastructure from potential cyberattacks.
Umar explained that cyber hygiene involves routine practices and preventive measures aimed at maintaining the health and security of digital systems by reducing vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals.
He noted that such practices include regular software updates, avoiding unverified third-party applications, the use of strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, frequent data backup, and the deployment of network security tools such as firewalls, encryption and access control systems.
The INEC official stressed that continuous training and awareness are crucial for strengthening staff capacity to detect, prevent and respond effectively to cyber threats.
He likened cyber hygiene to personal health practices, explaining that both rely on preventive measures to protect systems from harm.
In a goodwill message, the Regional Director for Africa and Country Director for Nigeria at the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), Seray Jah, reaffirmed the organisation’s partnership with INEC in supporting credible electoral processes.
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Jah described cybersecurity as a timely and critical issue, urging participants to take the training seriously and ensure that the knowledge gained is shared with other staff across the commission.
He also acknowledged the support of donors, particularly the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, whose funding supports IFES programmes aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and electoral integrity in Nigeria.
According to the organisers, the workshop will feature sessions on cybersecurity fundamentals, cyberattack types and motives, election-related cybersecurity scenarios, phishing prevention and workplace information security in line with the ISO 27001 Information Security Standard.
INEC said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and ensure the secure deployment of technology in the conduct of credible elections across the country.