By Ikechukwu Okaforadi.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said it will collaborate with the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) to print the electoral materials for the 2015 elections.
Speaking when he paid a courtesy visit on the Chairman of INEC, Attahiru Jega, the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, explained that the visit followed a presidential directive that the Nigeria Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC) be given the first choice to handle printing sensitive materials for election.
He said that NSPMC is seeking way through which it can work with INEC in the area of printing sensitive materials and other security documents for the commission and other agencies.
He described the visit of the apex bank to INEC as “basically a business visit”, adding
“I will crave your indulgence that we don’t stretch it just beyond just this business visit”
“We have come to collaborate with INEC to ensure that the objectives of ensuring that the printing of materials and as well as transportation of materials from the printing press to the various voting centres are discussed and to seek harmonious way of handling it” Emefele added.
Responding, the chairman of INEC, Attahiru Jega, said the visit by the CBN to INEC headquarters
was the first since the commission was established 15 years ago.
Jega said CBN is a strategic partner of INEC in ensuring free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria.
“I assure you that INEC is willing to discuss the proposal and will continue to explore more ways to collaborate with CBN and look at global picture in terms of what is best for the country”, he said.
He pointed out that the CBN, since 2011, has helped to secure sensitive election materials.
“We in INEC are willing to discuss the business proposals that you have come with.
We will keep expanding ways and means to the benefit of our society”, he said.
