Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) are strengthening their partnership to enhance voter education and mobilize greater public participation in Nigeria’s electoral process.
During a courtesy visit by NOA Director-General Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu to INEC headquarters in Abuja, INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two agencies.
Professor Yakubu highlighted NOA’s critical role in citizen advocacy and sensitization, noting that both INEC and NOA have a grassroots presence across Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas, which positions them effectively for community-level engagement.
The INEC boss commended NOA’s recent initiatives, including the “NOA Content Factory” and its use of digital platforms like NOA TV, NOA Radio, and The Explainer newsletter.
He stressed the need to intensify efforts in voter mobilization, particularly among under-represented groups such as youths, women, and Persons with Disabilities. He urged NOA to work closely with stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and the media, to boost voter turnout.
To facilitate this collaboration, NOA has been included in the expanded membership of INEC’s Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.
Furthermore, INEC is revamping the National Inter-Agency Committee on Voter Education and Publicity, where NOA will play an active role. The partnership comes at a crucial time as INEC prepares for the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025, and the 2027 General Election. Nationwide Continuous Voter Registration will commence soon, with online pre-registration starting on August 18, followed by in-person registration on August 25, 2025.
Professor Yakubu reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to partnering with NOA, citing the agency’s renewed energy under its current leadership as encouraging.
The partnership aims to promote democratic values, increase voter turnout, and ensure inclusive participation in the electoral process.
END
