A post on Vanguard’s official website reads that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has received praise from medium- and large-scale printing firms in Nigeria for entrusting them with the printing of millions of ballot papers used in the general elections of 2023. They claim the action by the electoral body has now put them in a good position to provide similar services to other West African countries.
With a predicted voter population of 90 million, INEC said in June 2022 that it would need to produce 430 million ballot papers, with a commitment to award the contracts for the first time to local printing firms.
The printers expressed their gratitude for the confidence INEC had in their abilities and knowledge in a letter dated August 4 and addressed to Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of INEC.
The printers said INEC’s members had gone above and beyond to ensure that each item was printed with the utmost accuracy, quality, and security.
According to the letter, Chairman and Secretary, Yahaya Amfani and Ademola Kasumu, respectively, noted that their teams had worked assiduously to meet deadlines throughout the project and that, for the first time in Nigerian election history, there was no need to postpone the 2023 General Election because of a lack of electoral materials.
The letter reads that: “Working on this project has been a major turning point for the Nigerian print market. It has given us the chance to highlight our cutting-edge technologies and devoted workforce.
“This was a game-changer because, up until this point, most electoral materials had been created overseas. Instead, INEC is now entrusting the local print industry with the obligation of manufacturing all of the materials for the 2023 General Election. putting billions of Naira back into the Nigerian economy in the process.
“The local print sector was successful in producing tons of paper and millions of ballots for the recently completed 2023 General Election. This outstanding accomplishment has increased our confidence in our ability to provide similar services to ECOWAS countries and other African nations.
“By entrusting the local print industry with the printing of all electoral materials, INEC not only promoted the expansion and development of the printing industry but also indirectly benefited a large number of local businesses across all sectors.
“Our commitment to employing regional products and services during the printing process resulted in the direct employment of thousands of qualified workers. Thousands of people, including vendors, artisans, transporters, food sellers, and many others, found employment opportunities as a result of the activities carried out by the local print industry, which had a spillover effect on the larger community as well.
“We do encourage the government to admonish other agencies to emulate INEC in patronizing local service providers, as this will reinvigorate the Nigerian Economy.
‘This tactical choice not only makes sure that local resources and knowledge are used, but it also greatly lowers capital flight, which helps the economy of our country and promotes sustainable economic growth.” The letter concluded.
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