The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has started a two-day capacity-building workshop for Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This initiative aims to strengthen institutional memory through improved archiving and documentation. The workshop, organized by INEC's Voter Education and Publicity (VEP) Department, is themed "Preserving Institutional Memory Through Effective Archiving and Documentation." It is being held in Abuja from September 22 to September 23, 2026.
The Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mohammed Kudu Haruna, declared the workshop open. He emphasized the importance of proper archiving, which is often overlooked by the Commission. Haruna noted that effective preservation of records is necessary for future reference, institutional learning, and comparative analysis of the Commission's activities across different election cycles. This, he believes, will enable the Commission to retrieve information, compare experiences, and build institutional knowledge from past electoral exercises.
Haruna highlighted that materials from previous elections are often left unpreserved at the state level. This limitation affects INEC's ability to retrieve information and build institutional knowledge. To address this gap, the Commission established the Graphics, Library and Documentation (GLD) Division. The division aims to create a more structured approach to records management within the Commission. Haruna urged the participating Public Affairs Officers to take the training seriously, as they will also serve as GLD Desk Officers in their respective states.
The workshop seeks to equip Public Affairs Officers with the necessary skills to effectively manage records. The officers will learn about the importance of archiving and documentation in preserving institutional memory. They will also be trained on how to manage and maintain records in their respective states. This training is expected to enhance the Commission's ability to retrieve information and build institutional knowledge from past electoral exercises.
The Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, represented Haruna during the opening ceremony. She echoed Haruna's sentiments, emphasizing the need for effective archiving and documentation. Eta-Messi noted that the Commission's ability to retrieve information and build institutional knowledge depends on the proper management of records. She urged the participating officers to take the training seriously and apply the skills learned in their respective states.
The two-day workshop will provide a platform for Public Affairs Officers to interact and share experiences. The officers will learn from experts in the field of archiving and documentation. They will also have the opportunity to discuss challenges and best practices in managing records. This interaction is expected to enhance the officers' skills and knowledge in archiving and documentation.
The INEC Chairman's call for effective archiving and documentation underscores the Commission's commitment to preserving institutional memory. The establishment of the GLD Division and the training of Public Affairs Officers demonstrate the Commission's efforts to improve records management. The workshop is a step towards ensuring that the Commission's records are properly managed and preserved for future reference.
Key points
- INEC holds a two-day workshop to enhance archiving and documentation skills for Public Affairs Officers from 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
- The workshop aims to strengthen institutional memory through improved archiving and documentation.
- The training will enable Public Affairs Officers to serve as GLD Desk Officers in their respective states.
