INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, To Discuss Fuel Availability with NNPCL for Election Logistics
Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), announced plans to meet with officials from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to address the issue of fuel scarcity and its impact on the transportation of electoral materials and personnel during elections. This announcement was made during a meeting with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) leadership, as INEC finalizes its Memorandum of Understanding with the transport union from December.
INEC is working with NURTW and the Marine Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) to facilitate the smooth movement of materials and personnel during election day.
INEC Expresses Concern Over Fuel Scarcity Impacting Election Logistics
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed worry that the nationwide shortage of petroleum products could disrupt logistical operations on election day. The Commission’s Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, stated that their arrangements may be negatively impacted by the unavailability of fuel. To mitigate the situation, INEC plans to hold a meeting with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) this afternoon to explore solutions.
INEC Committed to Ensuring Success of 2023 General Election
Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of INEC, assured the public that the Commission will continue to collaborate with relevant national institutions to ensure the success of the 2023 General Election. The meeting with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) executives on Tuesday was to finalize the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between INEC and the transport union and to determine the process for vehicle certification by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
INEC Collaborates with Transport Unions to Address Logistical Challenges in Election Administration
Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of INEC, acknowledged the persistent challenge of logistics in election administration in Nigeria, which is why the Commission has collaborated with road transport unions for the past three electoral cycles. The goal, according to Yakubu, is for election materials and personnel to arrive at polling stations before voters, which he believes is achievable. The Commission has specified the necessary vehicle requirements and locations to the transport unions. Vehicles should not have to travel long distances and all movements should occur within the same state and preferably within local government areas, with no inter-state movement.
Mr. Yakubu reminded that the MoU encompasses both forward and reverse logistics, requiring the return of personnel and materials to designated locations after the election. He also mentioned the commission’s collaboration with security agencies to ensure the safety of drivers, vehicles, and election officials during the election. He emphasized the importance of neutrality in INEC’s work and stressed that partners are expected to take the Oath of Neutrality and demonstrate non-partisanship on Election Day.
Source: Premium Times