The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of E-Terra Technologies Ltd, Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwutem Ochonogor, has called for the responsible deployment of technology to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system while addressing challenges related to cybersecurity, data protection, infrastructure, public trust and electronic waste.
Ochonogor made the call at the Nigeria eGovernment Summit 2026, themed “Mainstreaming Technologies in Nigeria Election Management.” He said Nigeria’s gradual transition from largely manual electoral processes to technology-enabled systems presents significant opportunities to improve voter services, verification, information management, transparency and efficiency.
He commended Engineer Layi Ajayi, Convener and Chairman of the Summit, for providing a platform for government, technology experts, businesses and other stakeholders to contribute to shaping Nigeria’s digital future.
According to Ochonogor, however, the deployment of technology alone cannot guarantee credible elections.
“The introduction of technology does not automatically guarantee credible elections. Its effectiveness depends on secure infrastructure, reliable systems, quality data, competent personnel, institutional integrity and public confidence.”
He identified cybersecurity, data protection, infrastructure gaps, digital literacy, misinformation, technical capacity and system resilience as critical challenges that require coordinated attention from government, INEC, security agencies, technology providers, the private sector and civil society.
Drawing on E-Terra’s expertise in electronic waste management, Ochonogor stressed that Nigeria’s digital transformation must take into account the entire technology lifecycle.
“Reduce, Reuse and Recycle must become essential to every digital and electoral initiative. Every computer, server, biometric device and battery deployed today will eventually reach the end of its useful life.”
He 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.
Ochonogor noted that E-Terra Technologies Ltd, established in 2013, has developed capabilities in e-waste collection, sorting, refurbishment, recycling, resource recovery and secure data destruction. He also highlighted the company’s emerging WEEE Recycling and Refining initiative, which is aimed at recovering valuable resources, creating employment and supporting Nigeria’s circular economy.
He further announced E-Terra’s continued commitment to promoting secure information management and responsible technology disposal through initiatives including the forthcoming Data Destruction Exposition 2026.
Ochonogor concluded by urging Nigeria to pursue a digital future in which technology strengthens democracy, improves public services, protects citizens’ information, creates economic opportunities and safeguards the environment.
“Let technology serve the citizen. Let infrastructure support democracy. Let security protect our digital future, and let sustainability remain at the heart of Nigeria’s digital transformation,” he said.
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