The Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving staff welfare, promoting industrial harmony and strengthening institutional effectiveness.

The committee made the commitment at its Second Bi-Annual Meeting held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, from Oct. 26 to Oct. 27, 2026.

The meeting, themed, “From Engagement to Impact: Advancing Staff Welfare, Industrial Harmony and Credible Electoral Processes,” brought together JCC national executives, state representatives and management representatives to discuss staff welfare, workplace conditions and improved service delivery.

Declaring the meeting open on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Anugbum Onuoha, the Administrative Secretary, INEC Akwa Ibom, Mr Vincent Oghene, emphasised the importance of constructive engagement, collective representation and dialogue in addressing staff concerns.

Oghene urged participants to contribute meaningfully towards improving staff welfare and institutional performance.

He said the JCC should serve as a platform for consultation, mutual understanding and peaceful resolution of issues relating to conditions of service and workplace relations, while recognising the commission’s sensitive electoral responsibilities.

In his goodwill message, the JCC Coordinator, Alhaji Umar Mohammed Bashar, represented by the Deputy Director, Employment Relations, Mr Zakari Dayaibu, commended the committee for its efforts to advance staff interests through constructive engagement.

Bashar acknowledged the challenging operating environment of the commission but reminded members of their responsibility to discharge their duties diligently in support of INEC’s mandate.

He also stressed the need for the committee to adhere to established procedures and maintain respectful engagement with management.

Earlier, the JCC President, Mrs Vera O. Awoh-Akujobi, described the meeting as an opportunity to review the committee’s activities during its first year, assess progress and develop practical measures to improve staff welfare.

She said the committee must move beyond discussions to tangible results, describing it as a vital link between staff and management in identifying concerns, facilitating dialogue and developing workable solutions.

Awoh-Akujobi identified key priorities as strengthening staff welfare advocacy, improving communication between staff and management, promoting industrial harmony, enhancing coordination among state representatives and developing actionable recommendations with clear follow-up mechanisms.

She urged state representatives to remain responsive to staff concerns in their respective offices and ensure such issues were accurately communicated to the committee.

The president added that the committee’s success should be measured by the implementation of agreed actions and the progress achieved, rather than the number of meetings held.

A major highlight of the meeting was a presentation on “Emotional Intelligence in Leadership: Managing People, Managing Results,” which examined the role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership, workplace relationships, cooperation and productivity.

Participants also deliberated on practical approaches to improving working conditions, strengthening staff-management relations and addressing challenges affecting staff wellbeing and institutional performance.

As the committee marked its first year, it reaffirmed its resolve to translate consultations into measurable outcomes through sustained advocacy, effective communication and collaborative problem-solving.

The initiative is expected to contribute to a more conducive working environment, stronger industrial relations and improved institutional effectiveness in support of INEC’s mandate to deliver credible electoral processes.