RismadarVoice Reporters
October 15, 2026
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has inaugurated a multi-agency Electoral Logistics Committee to assess transportation networks, storage facilities, airports and seaports ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The committee will evaluate the commission’s logistical requirements and develop strategies for the timely and secure movement of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials across the country.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at INEC headquarters in Abuja, the commission’s chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, described logistics as a critical component of election management that requires early preparation, coordination and adequate security arrangements.
Amupitan said the committee would examine the movement of electoral materials by road, air and sea, identify operational weaknesses and recommend measures to prevent delays during the elections.
He appointed National Commissioner Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa (Rtd.) to chair the committee, citing her experience and the expertise of representatives drawn from security agencies, government institutions and transport organisations.
According to the INEC chairman, the committee will assess existing warehouses, transportation facilities, equipment availability and distribution arrangements to determine their readiness for the nationwide electoral exercise.
Its responsibilities also include developing comprehensive plans for the storage, deployment, retrieval and security of election materials, while monitoring compliance with approved schedules.
The committee is expected to identify possible transportation bottlenecks, equipment shortages, security risks and other challenges that could disrupt electoral operations.
Amupitan stressed that effective logistics planning was necessary to ensure polling units receive their materials and commence accreditation and voting as scheduled.
He explained that Nigeria’s geographical diversity, weather conditions and security challenges made collaboration among relevant institutions essential.
The chairman also emphasised that public confidence in elections depends partly on the commission’s ability to deploy personnel and materials efficiently.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, Malafa pledged to develop a coordinated logistics framework informed by lessons from previous elections.
She said the committee would evaluate storage capacity, available vehicles, aviation support and cargo-handling arrangements to identify deficiencies requiring attention before the elections.
Malafa described effective logistics as fundamental to electoral integrity, stressing the importance of cooperation among participating agencies.
Representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Correctional Service, Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Nigeria Customs Service attended the inauguration.
Transport organisations represented included the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners and Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria.
INEC said the committee would submit periodic reports and recommendations to guide preparations for the 2027 general elections, particularly in areas involving transportation, storage, security and timely delivery of electoral materials.
