Elections: Corps members, other ad-hoc staff get insurance cover

Youth corps members and other ad-hoc workers engaged for the conduct of elections will get insurance cover under the Independent National Electoral Commission Personnel Hazard Policy.

This is contained in the reviewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Abuja on Tuesday by the INEC and the National Youth Service Corps.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said: “The MoU is governed by the laws of the Federation of Nigeria of the time being imposed and to show our commitment and seriousness to, particularly, the security and welfare of the corps members. The MoU will provide for all ad-hoc staff, insurance cover under the INEC Personnel Hazard Policy for the period of engagement.

“And this covers injury, permanent disability, loss of life and property or any person declared missing in the cause of carrying out the commission’s assigned duties; while the appropriate sections of the public service rules will apply to the NYSC staff as well as other employees who are public servants serving in the federation of Nigeria.”

Yakubu said youth corps members were among the most educated, most committed, most patriotic and most readily available election duty staff in Nigeria. 

He commended the selflessness, dedication and commitment of youth corps members to the successful conduct of elections in the country.

“We’re really happy that we’ve been collaborating with the NYSC. They go to every nook and cranny of the country without complaint.

“Nigeria is Fortunate to have the NYSC. Their service to the electoral process is indispensable,” he said.

Yakubu said the MoU was reviewed after having identified 11 obligations on the part of the INEC and 10 on the part of the NYSC.

NYSC Director-General, Maj. Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, commended the INEC for the long-standing cordial relationship.

He urged the INEC to sustain the relationship with the NYSC, assuring that corps members remained committed to serving the country and contributing to conduct of credible elections.