In a historic move to deepen staff engagement and promote institutional harmony, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday inaugurated its first-ever Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) at its headquarters in Abuja.
The ceremony, presided over by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, brought together National Commissioners, Directors, representatives of the Ministry of Labour and Productivity, and newly elected JCC executives drawn from the national headquarters, all 36 states, and the Federal Capital Territory.
Prof. Yakubu, in a firm and open address, reaffirmed that staff welfare remains central to the Commission’s priorities. He emphasized that the regular payment of salaries was non-negotiable, noting that INEC had consistently met its obligations ahead of schedule for over a decade. He further assured that the Commission had mapped out a plan to clear outstanding arrears from the national minimum wage adjustment by November 2024.
While clarifying that the JCC was not a trade union, the Chairman described it as a platform for constructive dialogue, urging staff to embrace consultation rather than confrontation. He reminded members of the responsibility that comes with such a platform, stressing that it must serve as a bridge to strengthen cooperation and mutual trust within the Commission.
The Hon. Secretary to the Commission, Mrs. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, traced the roots of the JCC to a 2022 ministerial directive that designated INEC staff as essential workers, thereby limiting unionization. She explained that the committee was a product of deliberate effort to ensure that staff voices were not lost, describing its inauguration as the birth of a much-needed channel for internal dialogue.
Representing the Ministry of Labour, Prince Donald Kehinde Fakunle endorsed the committee but advised it to adopt dialogue rather than industrial action. He reminded members that the platform must serve the collective good of the Commission.
In her acceptance speech, newly elected JCC President, Mrs. Vera O. Awoh, described the inauguration as a turning point for staff engagement. She pledged to champion collaboration with management in pursuit of a peaceful and productive work environment that strengthens INEC’s broader mission of safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.
The establishment of the JCC marks a significant step in embedding structured communication and staff participation within INEC, with observers noting its potential to enhance transparency and institutional cohesion.
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