By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has inaugurated a multi-agency Electoral Logistics Committee (ELOC) for the 2027 general election, charging members to ensure the timely distribution of election materials across the country.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, gave the charge on Thursday at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, stressing that no Nigerian should be disenfranchised because of late arrival of election materials.
Amupitan, who announced Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa (rtd), an INEC National Commissioner, as chairperson of the committee, said the multi-agency approach was necessary to address the challenges of transporting personnel and materials across Nigeria’s diverse terrain.
He described logistics as one of the most critical components of credible elections, noting that voters must find their polling units open, equipped and ready at the scheduled time.
The chairman said the committee’s responsibilities include assessing logistics requirements, developing comprehensive plans for the storage and distribution of election materials, auditing warehouses and transport facilities, identifying operational gaps and recommending corrective measures.
It is also expected to monitor compliance with approved logistics schedules, mitigate transportation and security risks, and coordinate the secure movement of sensitive and non-sensitive materials by road, air and sea.
Amupitan said the commission was beginning preparations early to anticipate challenges relating to weather, terrain and security, adding that the 2027 election was “a marathon, not a sprint.”
Speaking on behalf of the committee, Malafa said its mandate was to develop a strategic logistics plan informed by lessons from previous elections and eliminate operational vulnerabilities.
She identified airlift operations, land and maritime transportation, storage facilities, cargo handling and security coordination as key areas of focus.
Malafa added that the committee would map difficult terrains and security-challenged locations, establish appropriate transportation and security arrangements, and submit a comprehensive report with clear action plans and operational timelines.
She stressed that the success of the assignment would depend on inter-agency cooperation, urging members to approach the task with patriotic dedication and professionalism.
Representatives of security agencies, aviation and maritime authorities, the Central Bank of Nigeria, transport unions and other relevant organizations attended the inauguration.
