HR Electronic Records

Legal Framework for Electronic Archiving 

Although some countries require certain types of documents to be kept and archived in their original paper form, for most categories of documents, including HR-related records, there is no such requirement, and it is generally acceptable to use electronic versions of paper records (i.e., scanned copies of paper originals) during most government agencies’ inspections and audits or in court proceedings.

The evidential or probative value of electronic versions of paper records may be more easily challenged before a court than it would be for the originals. This is mainly because the original records could be tampered with or changed before being scanned, and, unless proper technology has been used (e.g., encryption and timestamping), it may not be easy to detect such changes from a scanned copy. In specific situations, it may be good practice for employers to retain archives of paper originals in the event such originals would be requested by a specific investigator,  auditor, judge or authority. 

 

Are electronic scanned copies of paper originals legally valid?

In Nigeria, evidence can be provided by electronically generated documents as long as the system that was used to create the document complies with conditions under The Evidence Act 2011 (LFN 2004):

• The computer which produced the document was used regularly during the relevant period to store or process the same kind of information that’s in the document (i.e. normal processes were followed when creating the electronic record);
• The computer which produced the document also stored other information of the same kind or of the kind from which the document was derived (i.e. the computer was used to store similar/related types of information);
• The computer was operating correctly through the material period. If there was a period where the computer wasn’t working properly, the non-operation didn’t compromise the content of the record;
• The information was reproduced or derived from information provided in the normal course of business activities.

When a scanned copy of a paper original is used in Nigerian court, the party who presents the document as evidence should provide a certificate that: identifies the document, describes how the document was created, and includes the particulars of the device that was used to produce the document. The description should be in-line with the conditions above.

At this time, regulatory authorities generally do not accept scanned copies of statutory forms and corporate documents.

 

Are there any legal requirements for electronic archiving systems (EAS)?

Outside of the National Archives Act, which only applies the Nigerian government agencies, there is no legislation specific to electronic archiving systems. Most companies follow the provisions in the Evidence Act and the Notaries Public Act to determine the validity of documents that have been generated in electronic form.