From mercy Peter
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has pledged to collaborate with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in a bid to enhance national data management and strengthen Nigeria’s electoral processes.
This commitment was made by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, when he hosted the Statistician-General of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, and his management team on a courtesy visit at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
Prof. Yakubu noted that the engagement marked the first formal meeting between the two agencies, describing it as a significant step towards aligning national statistical resources with electoral operations.
“For the second time in one week, we are pleased to host another key national institution. Last week, it was the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). Today, we are honoured to receive the leadership of the National Bureau of Statistics,” Yakubu said.
He commended the NBS for its role in producing and managing accurate and reliable statistics, which he described as “the largest official database on all aspects of national life in Nigeria.”
He added that INEC also maintains the most extensive database of adult citizens, specifically for elections, safeguarded under the National Data Protection Act.
Highlighting the scope of the new partnership, Yakubu explained that the NBS could leverage INEC’s vast nationwide network of facilities and infrastructure beyond elections.
“Elections hold only once in four years or as the need arises, but our facilities remain in place year-round. This partnership will enable their optimal use for the benefit of Nigerians,” he stated.
Recalling INEC’s support during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the Commission deployed vehicles to assist with contact tracing and surveillance, Yakubu stressed that INEC is always willing to partner with national agencies within the law, while maintaining its independence.
The INEC Chairman also drew attention to the state of public buildings used as polling units and collation centres across the country, most of which are located in primary and secondary schools.
He urged the NBS to integrate data on the condition of such facilities – including access to water, electricity, and ramps for persons with disabilities – into its statistical reports and recommendations to the National Economic Council (NEC).
“These schools train our youths at the foundation and intermediate levels of education. They deserve to benefit from the dividends of democracy, and improving them will directly support our electoral operations,” Yakubu said.
He further disclosed that the Commission’s Atlas of Electoral Constituencies and its Electoral Facilities Locator (EFLoc) are available online to guide the NBS and the public in accessing the geographical coordinates and details of electoral infrastructure across Nigeria.
Prof. Yakubu reaffirmed INEC’s readiness to continue working with the NBS and other national institutions. “We welcome this partnership in keeping with our commitment to strengthen electoral activities in Nigeria. Together, we can build stronger systems that serve the Nigerian people better,” he said.
