Fuel scarcity may scuttle INEC plans unless resolved quickly
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Fuel scarcity in the land of oil that has persisted for months then escalated in January may hamper Election Day logistics, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has alerted.
INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu sounded the warning in Abuja at a consultative meeting with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
He disclosed INEC would also meet with Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) officials to examine ways to tackle the problem.
“The Commission shares your concern about the fuel situation in the country and its impact on transportation on Election Day. The truth is that our arrangements may be negatively affected by the non-availability of products,” Yakubu said.
“For this reason, the Commission will this afternoon meet with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to look into ways to ameliorate the situation.
“I wish to assure Nigerians that we will continue to engage every national institution for the success of the 2023 general election.”
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Finalising election preparations
Yakubu said the meeting with NURTW officials was to put finishing touches to the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) INEC signed with the NURTW on 20 December 2022, per Vanguard reporting.
He added it would also see to the conclusion on the modalities for the certification of vehicles by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in the light of the emphasis INEC places on the safety of election personnel and materials.
According to him, logistics is a perennial problem in election administration in Nigeria.
“That is why for three electoral cycles now, INEC has collaborated with the road transport unions to address the problem.
“For the 2023 general election, the Commission has included the Marine Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) for efficient maritime transportation.
“The time has come to stop all excuses and provide effective logistics to ensure hitch-free logistics on Election Day.”
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