The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on its staff members to go beyond routine official responsibilities by prioritising professionalism, empathy, accountability and timely service delivery to voters and other stakeholders.

INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, gave the task at the 2026 Customer Service Week celebration with the theme, “Going the Extra Mile,” organised by the commission at it headquarters in Abuja on Friday.

Amupitan noted that public confidence in the electoral system depends not only on established policies and procedures but also on how effectively, respectfully and professionally its personnel engage the people they serve.

Amupitan was represented by Prof. Rhoda Gumus, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Health and Welfare Committee.

He said that excellent customer service should not be limited to the celebration week but must become an enduring institutional culture.

Amupitan described Customer Service Week as an opportunity to appreciate both customers and staff while reaffirming the commission’s commitment to excellence in public service.

Noting that every staff member an ambassador of INEC, he said that every interaction with a voter, political party, colleague or member of the public contributes to the public perception of the commission.

He urged staff members to take ownership of their responsibilities, identify practical solutions to challenges and provide assistance beyond the minimum requirements of their duties.

“Going the extra mile was described as making additional efforts to ensure that assignments are properly completed, citizens receive the necessary attention, colleagues obtain the support they need and services are delivered with professionalism and integrity,” he said.

The Commission highlighted its constitutional and statutory responsibilities, including voter and civic education, the promotion of knowledge of democratic electoral processes and the conduct of elections and referendums as provided by law.

It noted that the effective discharge of these responsibilities requires a strong commitment to transparency, integrity, credibility, impartiality, equity, dedication, excellence and teamwork.

The commission also highlighted its public engagement activities, including the provision of electoral information through radio, television, websites and social media platforms, as well as voter registration, the printing and distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), correspondence with citizens and stakeholder engagement.

At the time of the celebration, the Commission was undertaking activities relating to the display of the voters’ register and the distribution of PVCs, underscoring its continuing responsibility to provide services that enable eligible citizens to participate in the electoral process.

INEC further emphasised the importance of responding to correspondence within stipulated timelines, ensuring due process in contract administration and maintaining accessible communication channels through which citizens can obtain information and engage with the commission.

Also in attendance were Prof. Kunle Ajayi, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Board of the Electoral Institute, and Prof. Sunday Aha, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Board of Survey and Technical Committee on Equipment Acquisition (BOSTEAC).