The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has inaugurated an Electoral Logistics Committee to coordinate the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive materials ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The committee is chaired by a National Electoral Commissioner, retired Rear Admiral Jamila Abubakar-Sadiq, who is responsible for security matters at the commission.
Speaking at the inauguration at INEC headquarters in Abuja, the INEC chairman said logistics remained one of the most critical components of the electoral process, noting that the timely availability of election materials at polling units was essential to the success of elections.
He said the committee was constituted early to address the challenges of transporting election materials across the country’s diverse terrain through road, air and maritime routes.
The chairman said the committee would adopt a multi-agency approach involving security agencies, military and paramilitary institutions, and relevant transport organisations to ensure effective coordination and operational efficiency.
Its terms of reference include assessing logistical requirements for the 2027 elections and developing plans for the storage, distribution, deployment and retrieval of election materials.
The committee is also expected to assess the readiness of warehouses, vehicles, airports, seaports and other transport facilities, identify operational gaps and ensure compliance with approved distribution schedules.
It will further develop strategies to address transportation bottlenecks, material shortages and security threats that could disrupt election operations.
The INEC chairman urged members to demonstrate commitment and professionalism, noting that the country’s varied geographical conditions, from the creeks of the Niger Delta to the arid northern regions, required flexible and resilient logistics arrangements.
He said no eligible voter should be disenfranchised because of the late arrival of election materials, stressing that early planning was essential to conducting transparent, efficient and credible elections.
In her remarks, Abubakar-Sadiq described election logistics as the operational foundation of the democratic process, with direct implications for electoral integrity and public confidence.
She said the committee would develop a strategic logistics plan based on lessons from previous elections, identify systemic weaknesses and establish mechanisms for the seamless deployment of election materials.
She listed the committee’s responsibilities to include airlift and cargo planning, coordination of land and maritime transportation, identification of operational bottlenecks, and mapping of difficult terrain, security-challenged areas and locations prone to crises.
According to her, the committee will also develop transportation and security arrangements for high-risk locations and submit a comprehensive report containing actionable recommendations and clear operational timelines.
She proposed the establishment of specialised subcommittees to handle airlift operations, land transportation, maritime transportation, storage and security, where necessary.
The inauguration was attended by INEC national commissioners and representatives of the Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs.
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