INEC Chairman Prof Joash Amupitan
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has inaugurated a logistics committee , chaired by National Electoral Commissioner, retired Rear Admiral Jamila Abubakar-Sadiq, to strengthen preparations for the 2027 general elections, with a focus on the secure, timely and efficient transportation of election materials across the country.
The INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan in his remarks on Thursday in Abuja, described logistics as one of the most critical pillars of the electoral process, stressing that the success of an election depends largely on the availability of essential materials at polling units at the appointed time.
He said the inauguration of the committee was a proactive measure to address the complexities of transporting sensitive and non-sensitive election materials across Nigeria’s diverse geographical terrain through road, air and maritime channels.
The chairman said the committee would adopt a multi-agency approach, drawing on the expertise of military and paramilitary institutions, security agencies and relevant transport organisations to ensure effective coordination and operational efficiency.
He explained that the committee’s terms of reference include assessing the overall logistical requirements for the 2027 elections, developing comprehensive plans for the storage, distribution, deployment and retrieval of election materials, and auditing the readiness of warehouses, vehicles, airports, seaports and other transport facilities.
Other responsibilities include identifying logistical gaps, ensuring timely delivery of materials to all parts of the country, monitoring compliance with approved schedules, and developing strategies to address transportation bottlenecks, shortages and security threats.
The INEC chairman urged the committee members to demonstrate dedication and professionalism, noting that Nigeria’s varied geographical conditions, from the creeks of the Niger Delta to the arid northern regions, require flexible and resilient logistical arrangements.
He emphasised that no Nigerian should be disenfranchised because of the late arrival of election materials, adding that early planning was essential to delivering transparent, efficient and credible elections.
In her keynote remarks, the National Electoral Commissioner responsible for security, retired Rear Admiral Jamila Abubakar-Sadiq, described election logistics as the operational foundation of the democratic process, with a direct impact on electoral integrity and public confidence
Abubakar-Sadiq outlined key areas of responsibility to include strategic airlift and cargo planning, the identification of operational bottlenecks, coordination of land and maritime transportation, and the mapping of difficult terrain, security-challenged areas and locations prone to crises.
She added that the committee would develop appropriate transportation and security arrangements for high-risk locations and submit a comprehensive report containing actionable recommendations and strict operational timelines.
The National commissioner proposed the establishment of specialised subcommittees to oversee airlift operations, land transportation, maritime transportation, as well as storage and security arrangements where necessary.
According to her, the subcommittees are expected to address the specific logistical requirements of each mode of transportation and ensure that election materials are delivered safely and on schedule.
As part of the arrangements, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will receive, store and distribute sensitive election materials through its nationwide branch network.
The commissioner emphasised that effective cooperation among relevant government agencies and other stakeholders would be crucial to the success of the committee’s assignment.
The committee is also expected to work closely with government institutions, state offices, transport unions and other stakeholders to facilitate the secure and efficient movement of election materials before and during the elections.
The inauguration attracted INEC national commissioners, representatives of the Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs, as well as officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and Nigerian Ports Authority.
Other stakeholders in attendance included representatives of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers, the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, maritime workers and other transport and security institutions.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, was represented at the event by Commissioner of Police Dr Abayomi Shogunle.
The establishment of the committee marks an early step in INEC’s preparations for the 2027 general elections, as the commission seeks to address potential logistical challenges that could affect the timely delivery of election materials and the smooth conduct of the polls.
The initiative is also aimed at strengthening operational coordination among security agencies, transport operators and other institutions responsible for supporting the electoral process.
With logistics playing a critical role in election management, the committee’s recommendations and implementation timelines are expected to help improve preparedness, safeguard sensitive materials and reduce the risk of delays that could disrupt voting.
.
