The Ivorgba Center hosts Training on Digital Safety and Security for NGOs in Plateau State, Nigeria

The Emmanuel Ivorgba Center, in collaboration with the Nigeria Network of Non-Governmental Organizations (NNGOs) and The Tataaunawa Roundtable Initiative (TRICentre), organized a comprehensive one-day step-down training on Digital Safety and Security for NGOs in Plateau State, on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The event aimed to enhance the capacity of NGO staff to protect their digital assets, uphold digital rights, and respond effectively to online threats. The training was attended by a total of 12 NGOs in Plateau State, from the Plateau State Practitioners Network (PPPN), and was facilitated by Dr. Prince Charles Dickson, Team Lead of the TRICentre, based in Jos, Plateau State.

The training commenced with registration and informal networking, setting a collaborative tone. The opening session introduced the objectives and expectations, establishing a participatory environment. Participants underwent a pre-training assessment to gauge baseline knowledge.

The first module, "Digital Rights Are Human Rights," emphasized the importance of privacy, freedom of expression, anonymity, access to information, net neutrality, and data protection. It underscored that digital rights are fundamental to ensuring safe and open online environments. Next, the session "Why Digital Rights Matter to NGOs" highlighted how digital advocacy, organization communication, and beneficiary data management are intertwined with digital rights. It addressed issues like surveillance, censorship, and the responsibility of NGOs to safeguard staff and communities from digital threats. Participants then explored their digital footprints, differentiating between active and passive footprints. An interactive exercise mapped the data generated, collected, and shared by organizations, raising awareness about potential vulnerabilities. The practical "Digital Safety Clinic" covered essential cybersecurity practices, including password security, use of password managers, multi-factor authentication, recognizing phishing, device updates, backups, and securing social media accounts. These skills aimed to mitigate common online risks.

A focus on data protection followed, discussing lawful data collection, informed consent, data minimization, privacy notices, secure storage, and breach management. This module stressed the importance of responsible data handling aligned with legal and ethical standards. Participants then learned to recognize and respond to digital threats such as account hacking, identity theft, phishing, malware, device loss, impersonation, and misinformation. Recognizing these threats enables timely and effective countermeasures. The "Digital Incident Scenario Clinic" engaged groups in practical case studies, including hacking incidents and online harassment, fostering problem-solving skills in real-world contexts. This hands-on approach aimed to prepare NGOs for actual digital emergencies. In the final segment, each organization developed a 30-day digital safety action plan and strategized on internal training replication. This step aimed to institutionalize digital security practices within NGOs, ensuring sustained protection.

The event concluded with a post-training assessment, participant evaluation, and closing remarks. Participants committed to applying learned practices, contributing to a safer digital environment for NGOs and their beneficiaries in Plateau State. The training effectively combined theoretical knowledge with practical skills, emphasizing the significance of digital rights, security practices, and proactive incident response. By fostering awareness and organizational planning, The Emmanuel Ivorgba Center and its partners aimed to strengthen the digital resilience of NGOs operating in Nigeria.

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