The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have inaugurated a committee to work out the modalities for collaboration on key aspects of election logistics management.

The decision was taken when the Commission’s Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu led a team of nine National Commissioners and the Secretary on an official visit to the CBN headquarters, Abuja on 6th December. The CBN’s top management team, led by its Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefele, was on hand to receive the visitors.

The Committee, comprising two CBN Directors and the Secretary to the Commission, will discuss the requirements for the printing, storage and transportation of sensitive election materials, as well as their disposal thereafter.

The INEC Chairman commended the Bank for its timely production of the Commission’s sensitive election materials, especially those used for the recent Anambra governorship election and the by-election in Borno state. He also expressed appreciation to the Bank for providing sufficient security for all sensitive election materials.

He however drew the CBN’s attention to the huge volumes of unused and obsolete sensitive election materials lying in different parts of the country. He appealed to the CBN governor to assist the Commission with the incineration of such materials in order to create space for the storage of new ones.

Prof Yakubu also canvassed for the Bank’s continued support in the effective management of electoral logistics involving transportation and storage of sensitive election materials.

Responding, the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefele expressed appreciation for the visit and pledged to support the Commission on identified focal areas.