The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has inaugurated its Electoral Logistics Committee (ELOC), appointing retired Rear Admiral Jamila Abubakar-Sadiq as chairperson in a move to prevent logistical challenges from undermining the 2027 general elections.
The committee is tasked with ensuring the timely, secure and efficient distribution of sensitive and no sensitive election materials across the country, with particular emphasis on difficult terrain, security challenged areas and locations vulnerable to transportation bottlenecks.
Speaking at the inauguration at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, the INEC chairman described logistics as one of the most critical pillars of the electoral process, noting that the success of an election depends largely on the availability of essential materials at polling units at the appointed time.
He said the early establishment of the committee was a proactive step towards addressing the complexities of transporting election materials across Nigeria through road, air and maritime routes.
According to him, the committee will adopt a multi-agency approach involving the military, paramilitary institutions, security agencies and transport organisations to improve coordination and operational efficiency.
Its terms of reference include assessing logistical requirements for the 2027 elections, preparing comprehensive plans for the storage, distribution, deployment and retrieval of election materials, and auditing the readiness of warehouses, vehicles, airports, seaports and other transportation facilities.
The committee is also expected to identify logistical gaps, monitor compliance with approved delivery schedules and develop strategies to tackle transportation bottlenecks, shortages and security threats.
The INEC chairman urged members to demonstrate commitment and professionalism, stressing that Nigeria’s diverse geographical conditions, from the creeks of the Niger Delta to the arid northern regions, demand flexible and resilient logistics 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, Abubakar-Sadiq, the national electoral commissioner responsible for security, 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 drawing on lessons from previous elections, identify systemic vulnerabilities and establish mechanisms for the seamless deployment of election materials.
Key areas of focus will include strategic 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.
She added that the committee would formulate appropriate transportation and security arrangements for high risk locations and submit a comprehensive report containing actionable recommendations and strict operational timelines.
Abubakar-Sadiq also proposed establishing specialised subcommittees to oversee airlift operations, land transportation, maritime transportation, storage and security, where necessary.
She disclosed that the Central Bank of Nigeria would receive, store and distribute sensitive election materials through its nationwide branch network, while effective cooperation among relevant agencies would be critical to the committee’s success.
The committee is further expected to coordinate with government institutions, INEC state offices, transport unions and other stakeholders to facilitate the secure and efficient movement of election materials nationwide.
The inauguration was attended by INEC national commissioners and representatives of the Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs, alongside 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.
Representatives of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers, the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, maritime workers and other transport and security institutions were also present.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, was represented by Commissioner of Police Dr Abayomi Shogunle.
The inauguration signals an early push by INEC to strengthen operational preparedness for the 2027 general elections and minimise the risk of logistical failures affecting voter participation and the credibility of the electoral process.
