The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has concluded the  signing of  a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the  National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, for the deployment of Boats and  vehicles for the 2023 general election.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed at a sensitisation Meeting with members of NURTW  and Marine Workers Union in Abuja.

INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, during in address at the occasion said the meeting was to put finishing touches to the MoU signed between the Unions and the commission on the 21 of  December 2022 and to conclude on the modalities for the certification of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, in line with safety standards.

Prof Yakubu also stated that the inclusion of marine workers union is to ensure effective delivery of electoral materials and hitch-free logistics to riverine areas, adding that since NURTW members are spread across the country, there would be no interstate movements.

The INEC Boss who urged the Unions not to abandon NYSC ad-hoc staff on duty, while assuring that the Commission is working with security agencies to guaranty their safety,called on the Unions to exhibit a high standard of neutrality and live above board in the discharge of their duties

Speaking on the scarcity and high cost of petrol in the country,a concern raised by the Unions, Prof  Yakubu assured that INEC will meet with authorities of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, to resolve the worries.

In his response, the National President of NURTW, Tajudeen Baruwa who spoke on behalf of the Unions assured INEC that Members across the country  will discharge their duties as prescribed by the MoU and will not disappoint Nigerians.

 The MOU include the provision 100, 000 vehicles and  4, 200 boats for deployment of electoral materials and personnel to different destination across the country for 2023 general election.