Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of E-Terra Technologies Ltd., Ifeanyi Ochonogor, has emphasized the need for responsible deployment of technology to strengthen Nigeria's electoral system. Speaking at the Nigeria eGovernment Summit 2026 in Lagos, Ochonogor addressed the challenges of cybersecurity, data protection, infrastructure, public trust, and electronic waste. The summit's theme was "Mainstreaming technologies in Nigeria election management." Ochonogor commended the convener and Chairman of the Summit, Layi Ajayi, for providing a platform for stakeholders to shape Nigeria's digital future.
Ochonogor noted that introducing technology does not automatically guarantee credible elections, but its effectiveness depends on several factors. These include secure infrastructure, reliable systems, quality data, competent personnel, institutional integrity, and public confidence. He identified critical challenges that require coordinated attention from government, INEC, security agencies, technology providers, the private sector, and civil society. These challenges include cybersecurity, data protection, infrastructure gaps, digital literacy, misinformation, technical capacity, and system resilience.
The expert called for responsible e-waste management, refurbishment, recycling, resource recovery, and secure data destruction to be incorporated into digital and electoral planning from the outset. He highlighted E-Terra Technologies Ltd's capabilities in e-waste collection, sorting, refurbishment, recycling, resource recovery, and secure data destruction. The company, established in 2013, aims to support Nigeria's circular economy through its emerging WEEE Recycling and Refining initiative.
Ochonogor's initiative aims to recover valuable resources, create employment, and promote sustainable practices. He advised that technology should serve the citizen, infrastructure should support democracy, security should protect Nigeria's digital future, and sustainability should remain at the heart of the country's digital transformation. This, he believes, will ensure that technology contributes positively to Nigeria's electoral process.
The Nigeria eGovernment Summit 2026 provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the role of technology in shaping the country's digital future. The summit brought together government officials, technology experts, businesses, and civil society organizations to explore opportunities and challenges in Nigeria's digital landscape. Ochonogor's presentation emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to address the challenges facing Nigeria's electoral process.
E-Terra Technologies Ltd has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable practices in Nigeria's technology sector. The company's efforts focus on reducing electronic waste and promoting responsible technology deployment. By advocating for secure, sustainable technology, Ochonogor aims to contribute to Nigeria's digital transformation and ensure the credibility of the electoral process.
The call for secure, sustainable technology in Nigeria's electoral process comes as the country prepares for future elections. With the right technology in place, Nigeria can ensure a more credible, transparent, and efficient electoral process. Key to this is a collaborative approach among stakeholders to address the challenges facing the electoral system.
Key points
- Expert Ifeanyi Ochonogor emphasizes the need for secure infrastructure, reliable systems, and quality data to ensure credible elections.
- Ochonogor calls for responsible e-waste management and sustainable practices in Nigeria's digital and electoral planning.
- The Nigeria eGovernment Summit 2026 provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss the role of technology in shaping Nigeria's digital future.
