Lagos: Ahead of the flag-off of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday convened a meeting with heads of security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

According to News Agency of Nigeria, the meeting took place at INEC headquarters in Sabo-Yaba, Lagos State, and included representatives from various security organizations such as the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Army, Department of State Security, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Correctional Service, and Federal Road Safety Commission. Additional participants included the National Youth Service Corps, Federal Fire Service, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

During the meeting, Prof. Ayobami Salami, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Lagos, emphasized the importance of the gathering as a starting point for an essential partnership in preparation for the CVR commencing on August 18. Salami noted that this was his first engagement with ICCES members in his role as the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner.

Salami expressed appreciation for the continuous collaboration from the security agencies, highlighting that their support had been instrumental in enhancing the commission’s ability to conduct elections effectively. He stated, “This meeting provides the platform for us to discuss our preparation and consider essential issues with respect to the security architecture of the state, and strategise in preparation for the exercise.”

He further explained that the CVR exercise offers eligible citizens the chance to register, update their details, and participate in the democratic process, underscoring its significance to the electoral landscape.