According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has provided a significant portion of the cash it requested to pay critical service providers.
During a press conference held on Thursday at the national collation center in Abuja, INEC chairperson Mahmood Yakubu made the announcement.
Keep in mind that there have been concerns that the current shortage of the naira might have an effect on the logistics of the Commission ahead of the elections.
Yakubu had also stated that the electoral body had to consult with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) due to recent economic developments and was assured of the availability of petroleum products for the elections.
In a similar vein, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) assured us that it would deduct a small amount of cash from our budget in order to make a cash payment to some essential election service providers. He stated, “I must reiterate that the majority of payment for goods and services is still made via electronic transfer.”
The majority of the small amount of cash we requested from the Central Bank of Nigeria is currently being distributed to the commission’s offices across the country.
In point of fact, our offices all over the country have already received a significant portion of it. Additionally, this has greatly facilitated yesterday’s transfer of sensitive materials from central bank branches to our local government areas.
The head of INEC went on to say that States have also received sensitive materials.
“Arrangements for the final leg of the movement of personnel and materials to the polling units have been completed with the transport unions. They have assured us that they will be able to supply the commission with all of its automobile requirements for the election, he stated.
I want to reassure Nigerians that we have adequate election preparations. We will not waver in our commitment to a free, just, and trustworthy process.
I want to make it clear once more that we only pledge our allegiance to Nigerians. Our commitment is to ensure that this election is free of bias, fair, and credible in all aspects.