National Commissioner, Dr Adekunle Ogunmola.
By Chinwe Ogbuka, Asst Director, Publicity
National Commissioner, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the International Conference of Election Management Bodies (EMBs) in Africa, Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola has assured delegates of adequate security throughout their stay in Nigeria for the conference holding from 9th to 11th April, 2018.
In a chat with INECNEWS on 6th April, the LOC Chairman said that INEC, in collaboration with the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) in Nigeria has concluded arrangements to provide maximum security for all delegates, some of whom are already in the country.
He disclosed that the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has met with Inspector- General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris and Director –General, Department of State Security (DSS), Lawal Musa Daura to firm up security arrangements for the conference.
According to the National Commissioner, adequate number of security personnel, comprising the Police, DSS and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been detailed to escort delegates on arrival from the airport to their hotels and be with them till the end of the Conference.
Dr. Ogunmola explained that the Committee has already created a Protocol Desk at the Airport to make delegates’ trip stress-free, while an understanding had been reached with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to grant visas to participants that require it to come to Nigeria.
The LOC Chairman further said that adequate provision has been made for Tour Guides to take delegates round the City of Abuja for sight- seeing and shopping.
He noted that the LOC, in conjunction with ECES, has finalized arrangements to ensure a hitch-free Conference by putting in place a secretariat for the conference, medical facilities to cater for medical needs of participants and other logistics plans.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu (right) greets members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), the Committee's first meeting of the year, held at the INEC headquarters, Abuja on Tuesday 11th February 2025. PHOTO: TAIWO MAKANJUOLA