The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has expressed deep concern over the National Assembly's retention of Section 60(5) of the Electoral Act 2022, labeling the Senate's rejection of mandatory electronic result transmission a "step backward" for the nation’s digital leadership, reports ITREALMS.
As the foremost body for IT practitioners in Nigeria, the NCS maintained that this legislative decision creates a loophole that undermines the technological integrity and transparency of the electoral process.
The Society unequivocally affirms that real-time electronic transmission is a cornerstone of Nigeria's digital transformation and democratic consolidation. According to the NCS, digital transformation is no longer optional but essential for a democracy to be verifiable and trusted.
To address concerns regarding infrastructure and security, the NCS provided several practical solutions:
Connectivity: A hybrid architecture should be used, employing real-time transmission where coverage exists and encrypted "store-and-forward" systems with timestamping in remote areas.
Security: Data integrity can be secured through end-to-end encryption, digital signatures, device authentication, and immutable audit logs.
Capacity: Phased pilots and standardized training should leverage NCS-certified professionals to bridge skills gaps among ad-hoc staff.
The Society warned that relying on manual collation increases exposure to human error and result alteration during transit. Furthermore, the lack of technological adoption amplifies public suspicion and disputes, leading to costly post-election litigation.
"Technology must not merely be deployed; it must be trusted, protected, and legally empowered," stated Prof. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, President of the NCS.
The Society unequivocally affirms that real-time electronic transmission is a cornerstone of Nigeria's digital transformation and democratic consolidation. According to the NCS, digital transformation is no longer optional but essential for a democracy to be verifiable and trusted.
To address concerns regarding infrastructure and security, the NCS provided several practical solutions:
Connectivity: A hybrid architecture should be used, employing real-time transmission where coverage exists and encrypted "store-and-forward" systems with timestamping in remote areas.
Security: Data integrity can be secured through end-to-end encryption, digital signatures, device authentication, and immutable audit logs.
Capacity: Phased pilots and standardized training should leverage NCS-certified professionals to bridge skills gaps among ad-hoc staff.
The Society warned that relying on manual collation increases exposure to human error and result alteration during transit. Furthermore, the lack of technological adoption amplifies public suspicion and disputes, leading to costly post-election litigation.
"Technology must not merely be deployed; it must be trusted, protected, and legally empowered," stated Prof. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, President of the NCS.
The body is now calling on the National Assembly and INEC to ensure the compulsory inclusion of electronic transmission in the proposed Electoral Act amendment bill.
1 comment:
This NCS position has removed a lot of shame on Nigeria. Before this your position, it was as if Nigeria has no ICT demonstrated experts. What we are are talking about is done by backs in Nigeria on daily bases. I for one, has BSc Computer Science, MSc Computer Science, MBA Technology and worked with JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board) and First Bank of Nigeria. We know that our politicians are putting Nigerians to shame by still sticking to manual processes.
Post a Comment