Customer Service Week: Yakubu tasks INEC staff on strengthening commission’s core values

Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has urged staff members to strengthen the commission’s core values.

Yakubu made the call on Monday in Abuja at an event organised by the commission to commemorate the 2025 Customer Service Week.

In his keynote address, Yakubu described Customer Service Week, with the theme: “Mission Possible”, as a moment to reflect on INEC’s commitment to Nigerians.

He said that the occasion aimed to celebrate excellence as well as recognise the leadership and staff members for their commitment to public service.

The INEC chairman urged the staff members not only to celebrate but also to strengthen the commission’s core values of responsiveness, empathy and accountability.

“Customer Service Week reminds us that every complaint and inquiry responded to, every concern addressed and every moment of engagement reinforce the commission’s commitment to serving the public interest,” he said.

Yakubu, while noting that action speaks louder than words, said “I’m also one of those who believe that work is actually prayer in action; so we should pray but keep walking.”

He described the theme for this year’s week as timely and deeply resonating with INEC’s vision of continuous innovation, stakeholder trust and excellence in electoral service delivery.

National Commissioner and Chairman, Health and Welfare Committee, Prof. Sani Adam, commended the SERVICOM Unit for promoting a culture of productivity and creating a welcoming workplace.

Adam also commended Yakubu’s support for the unit.

“We have a vibrant SERVICOM department, and year after year, Customer Service Week is commemorated to familiarise both the commission members and the general public that INEC is a friendly place to work.

“Over the years, the chairman has given huge support to the operation of SERVICOM,” he said.

The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of Excellence Service Delivery Award to Yakubu and Leadership Awards to National Commissioners.

It was reported that Secretary to the Commission, Mrs Rose Oriaran-Anthony, was also presented with Amazon of Excellent Service Delivery Award “for her dedication to efficiency and institutional excellence.”

In her remarks, Oriaran-Anthony described the recognition as a testament to the collective efforts of all INEC staff members.

“This award is not for me alone; it is for every staff member who picks up a call, responds to an inquiry, assists a voter or provides clarification with patience and professionalism. That is what true service means,” she said.

She added that within the week, other INEC staff members would also be recognised to ensuring the celebration of excellence in service.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that every Nigerian who interacts with INEC experiences courtesy, fairness and efficiency. That is the culture we are building, and that is the legacy we must sustain,” she said.

The acting National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of SERVICOM, Mr Anthony Oshin, commended INEC’s commitment to institutional reform and service delivery to citizens.

Oshin, represented by Mrs Ngozi Akinbodewa, described INEC’s approach as a model for other public institutions.

He also described INEC’s data-driven processes, technology adoption and real-time accountability dashboards as examples of how public agencies could combine efficiency with transparency.

“This year’s theme: ‘Mission Possible,’ reminds us that even the toughest challenges in governance and elections can be turned into opportunities through teamwork, creativity and resilience,” he said.

Oshin added that INEC’s commitment to proactive service delivery and its use of technology in stakeholder engagement was a demonstration of the commission’s leadership in driving service excellence across the public sector.