Reps Order INEC Payment of Corps Members' Insurance

The House of Representatives has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that insurance companies settle all outstanding premiums owed to corps members who died or were injured while on election duty—within four weeks.   The directive was issued by the House Committee on Electoral Matters during an interactive session with the leadership of the National Youth Service Corps. For over a decade, corps members have served as frontline personnel in election operations, manning polling units nationwide and often facing intimidation, violence, and life-threatening risks that have led to injuries, permanent disabilities, and deaths. As lawmakers intensify work on a new electoral act ahead of the 2027 general elections, priority is being placed on enhancing the safety and welfare of these critical ad Hoc workers.   During the session, the NYSC outlined key challenges, including security threats, inadequate remuneration, logistical difficulties, harsh working conditions, and the lack of essential facilities. The scheme also proposed that responsibility for transporting corps members during elections be transferred from INEC to the Office of the National Security Adviser.   Members of the Committee stressed the need for stronger protection measures, improved welfare packages, and strict enforcement of existing insurance policies for corps members. Their interventions led to a formal resolution compelling the payment of insurance benefits to the families of deceased corps members and to those injured while performing election duties.