The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on its workforce to exceed routine official responsibilities by prioritizing professionalism, empathy, accountability, and timely service delivery to voters and democratic stakeholders nationwide.

?The charge was delivered during the Commission’s 2026 Customer Service Week celebration held at its headquarters in Abuja, centered on the theme, “Going the Extra Mile.”

The event gathered INEC National Commissioners, directors, department heads, and operational staff, alongside a delegation from the Presidency’s Service Compact with All Nigerians (SERVICOM), to evaluate citizen-centered public service strategies.

?Delivering the welcome address on behalf of INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Health and Welfare Committee, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, described the week as a dual opportunity to appreciate stakeholders and recommit to administrative excellence.

?Prof. Gumus emphasized that every staff member serves as a direct ambassador of the electoral body, noting that overall public confidence in the electoral system hinges heavily on the quality, respect, and efficiency demonstrated during day-to-day interactions.

Personnel were urged to take full ownership of their duties, proactively resolve administrative hurdles, and consistently extend assistance beyond basic job requirements to establish an enduring organizational standard.

?The event, which was also attended by National Commissioners Prof. Kunle Ajayi and Prof. Sunday Aja, served to reinforce INEC's statutory obligations, including voter education, civic engagement, election management, and continuous stakeholder communication across traditional and digital channels.

?The celebration coincided with key ongoing operational exercises, including the public display of the voters’ register and the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). INEC management reiterated its commitment to strict adherence to response timelines, due process in contract administration, and open public communication channels to ensure all eligible citizens are seamlessly integrated into the democratic process.