By Mercy Peter
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has joined organizations across the world to celebrate the 2025 Customer Service Week, restating its firm commitment to citizen-focused service delivery, accountability, and operational excellence under the leadership of its Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
The global event, themed “Mission Possible” runs from October 6 to 10, 2025, and focuses on the “5 Rs of Customer Service” — Respect, Responsiveness, Responsibility, Resolution, and Relationship Building values that define INEC’s approach to public engagement.
The week-long celebration commenced with an official flag-off ceremony at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja, attended by Directors, senior officials, SERVICOM staff, and State Desk Officers (SDDOs).
The event began with the distribution of handbills and sensitization materials to staff and visitors, symbolizing INEC’s continued commitment to embedding service excellence in its daily operations.
The Chairman of the Head of Welfare Committee (HWC), Prof. Sani Adams, lauded SERVICOM’s efforts in enhancing institutional efficiency and responsiveness within the Commission.
He emphasized that INEC, under Prof. Yakubu’s leadership has remained dedicated to a people-oriented approach that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and stakeholder trust.
Representing the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SERVICOM, Mrs. Ngozi Akinbodewa, Head of Operations at SERVICOM, Presidency, praised INEC’s sustained partnership and support for public service improvement.
She noted that the Commission’s achievements reflect “effective leadership, teamwork, and an enduring commitment to accountability and public satisfaction.”
The Secretary to the Commission, Mrs. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, paid glowing tribute to Prof. Yakubu, describing him as a “visionary leader” whose stewardship has redefined the standards of public service within INEC.
According to her, “Under Prof. Yakubu’s leadership, the Commission has strengthened both internal and external communication systems, enhanced accessibility to electoral services, and sustained transparency in all engagements with citizens and stakeholders.”
She affectionately referred to the INEC Chairman as “Mr. Technology,” acknowledging his consistent advocacy for innovation and digital transformation in the Commission’s operations.
Mrs. Oriaran-Anthony added that his reforms especially in leveraging technology and empowering staff to respond effectively to public needs have positioned INEC as a model of service excellence in Nigeria’s public sector.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and other outstanding staff members by the Acting CEO of SERVICOM and the Secretary to the Commission. The awards recognized exceptional performance, innovation, and commitment to INEC’s vision of excellence in public service delivery.
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu reaffirmed INEC’s resolve to continually enhance citizens’ experience across all electoral touchpoints.
“Customer service in the public sector is not a luxury but a duty,” he stated, emphasizing that INEC will keep building systems that ensure every Nigerian’s interaction with the Commission is smooth, respectful, and rewarding.
The 2025 Customer Service Week celebration at INEC thus underscores the Commission’s broader mission to remain a transparent, efficient, and citizen-centered institution that continually evolves to meet public expectations through professionalism, innovation, and service excellence.
