INEC JCC PRIORITISES STAFF WELFARE, INDUSTRIAL HARMONY AT SECOND BI-ANNUAL MEETING

INEC JCC PRIORITISES STAFF WELFARE, INDUSTRIAL HARMONY AT SECOND BI-ANNUAL MEETING

The Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving staff welfare, promoting industrial harmony and strengthening institutional effectiveness as it held its Second Bi-Annual Meeting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The two-day meeting, held from 26 to 27 October 2026, was themed “From Engagement to Impact: Advancing Staff Welfare, Industrial Harmony and Credible Electoral Processes.” It brought together JCC National Executives, State Representatives and Management Representatives to deliberate on staff welfare, workplace conditions and improved service delivery.

Declaring the meeting open on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Professor Anugbum Onuoha, the Administrative Secretary, INEC Akwa Ibom State, Barrister Vincent Oghene, underscored the importance of constructive engagement, collective representation and dialogue in addressing staff concerns.

He urged participants to make meaningful contributions towards improving staff welfare and institutional performance, noting that the JCC should serve as a platform for consultation, mutual understanding and peaceful resolution of issues relating to conditions of service and workplace relations, while recognising the Commission’s sensitive electoral responsibilities.

In his goodwill message, the JCC Coordinator, Alhaji Umar Mohammed Bashar, represented by the Deputy Director, Employment Relations, Mr. Zakari Dayaibu, commended the Committee for its efforts in advancing staff interests through constructive engagement.

He acknowledged the challenging operating environment of the Commission but reminded members of their responsibility to discharge their duties diligently in support of INEC’s mandate. He also stressed the need for the Committee to adhere to established procedures and maintain respectful engagement with Management.

Earlier, the JCC President, Mrs. Vera O. Awoh -Akujobi, described the meeting as an important opportunity to review the Committee’s activities during its first year, assess progress and develop practical measures to improve staff welfare.

She emphasised that the JCC must move beyond discussions to tangible results, describing the Committee as a vital link between staff & Management in identifying concerns, facilitating dialogue and developing workable solutions.

The President outlined key priorities, including strengthening staff welfare advocacy, improving communication between staff and Management, promoting industrial harmony, enhancing coordination among state representatives and developing actionable recommendations with clear follow-up mechanisms.

She urged state representatives to remain responsive to the concerns of staff in their respective offices and ensure that such concerns are accurately communicated to the Committee. She added that the JCC’s success should be measured by the implementation of agreed actions & the progress achieved, rather than the number of meetings held.

A major highlight of the meeting was a presentation on “Emotional Intelligence in Leadership: Managing People, Managing Results,” which examined the role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership, workplace relationships, cooperation & productivity.

Participants also deliberated on practical approaches to improving working conditions, strengthening staff-management relations and addressing challenges affecting staff wellbeing and institutional performance.

As the Committee marks its first year, the meeting reaffirmed its resolve to translate consultation into measurable outcomes through sustained advocacy, effective communication & collaborative problem-solving.

The initiative is expected to contribute to a more conducive working environment, stronger industrial relations and improved institutional effectiveness in support of INEC’s mandate to deliver credible electoral processes