From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has charged its staff to go beyond routine duties, by prioritising professionalism, empathy, accountability and timely service delivery to voters and other stakeholders.
The charge was given during the Commission’s 2026 Customer Service Week (CSW) celebration held on Friday at its Conference Hall in Abuja.
This year’s theme which is “Going the Extra Mile”, was designed to mark the ceremony with activities which included a fitness and health awareness walk and sensitization on Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection.
In a welcome address delivered on behalf of the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash O. Amupitan, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Health and Welfare Committee, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, said every staff member remains an ambassador of the Commission whose interaction with voters, political parties and the public shapes perception of INEC.
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She noted that public confidence in the electoral system depends not only on policies and procedures but also on how respectfully and professionally personnel engage citizens, urging staff to take ownership of responsibilities and offer assistance beyond minimum requirements.
Prof. Gumus stressed that excellent customer service must not be limited to the celebration week but must become an enduring institutional culture, especially as the Commission is currently displaying the voters’ register and distributing PVCs ahead of the 2027 General Election.
She also emphasised the need for timely response to correspondence, due process in contract administration and maintenance of accessible channels for citizens to obtain information and engage the Commission, adding that courtesy, responsiveness, competence and integrity must define staff conduct.
In her remarks, Acting National Coordinator of SERVICOM, Mrs. Helen Lawal, commended INEC for the event, describing it as a reminder for public institutions to improve service quality. She said excellent service requires deliberate efforts to exceed expectations, anticipate citizens’ needs and show patience, empathy and ownership of complaints.
Mrs. Lawal called for special consideration for vulnerable groups including older persons and Persons With Disabilities, and urged that rural communities must not be disadvantaged in accessing public services.
The event was attended by National Commissioners Prof. Kunle Ajayi and Prof. Sunday Aha, SERVICOM officials, directors and staff of the Commission.
