By Augustine Ehikioya
To ensure timely and secured distribution of election materials across the country during the 2027 general elections, the Independent National ElectoralCommission (INEC) on Thursday inaugurated Electoral Logistics Committee (ELOC), chaired by National Electoral Commissioner, retired Rear Admiral Jamila Abubakar-Sadiq.
Speaking at the occasion held in Abuja, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, described logistics as one of the most critical pillars of the electoral process
According to him, 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, he said, 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.
Also speaking at the event, 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.
She said the committee was expected to develop a strategic logistics plan informed by lessons from previous elections, identify systemic vulnerabilities and establish mechanisms for the seamless deployment of election materials.
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.
The electoral commissioner also proposed the establishment of specialised subcommittees to focus on airlift operations, land transportation, maritime transportation, storage and security, where necessary.
She noted that the Central Bank of Nigeria would receive, store and distribute sensitive election materials through its nationwide branch network, while effective inter-agency cooperation would be critical to the committee’s success.
