NOA, INEC Strengthen Collaboration for National Reorientation and Voter Education

Abuja, Nigeria- July 31, 2025

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have pledged deeper collaboration to advance voter education and national reorientation, following a meeting between their leaders in Abuja.  

NOA Director-General Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, during his visit to INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, emphasized the need to align efforts in fostering civic engagement and patriotism. 

He acknowledged INEC’s electoral management efforts but stressed that "national development requires more than infrastructure—it demands psychological connection to the country."   

Issa-Onilu admitted initial doubts about NOA’s relevance before his appointment but found a "dedicated workforce" hampered by years of neglect. His priority has been internal restructuring, including expanding departments from 12 to 16. A new Civic, Value, and Democracy Education Department will address youth civic knowledge gaps.  

- Misinformation: The DG cited social media misinformation during elections and proposed targeted campaigns via initiatives like CLHEEAN and NOA Halkathon(entertainment-focused outreach).  

- Funding Gap: He noted NOA lacks a dedicated democracy education budget despite its grassroots reach, urging INEC to leverage the agency’s 774 LGA offices for voter education.  

Prof. Yakubu welcomed NOA’s revitalization under Issa-Onilu, praising its digital tools like NOA TV and AI platforms. He confirmed NOA’s role in electoral committees, including:  

- Interagency Consultative Committee on Election Security  

- National Committee on Voter Education and Publicity (NICVEP) (to be restructured).  

Yakubu highlighted the continuous voter registrationstarting in August and elections ahead, seeking NOA’s support to mobilize marginalized groups (women, youth, and persons with disabilities).  

The collaboration aims to bridge civic awareness gaps and counter electoral apathy, with NOA serving as a grassroots mobilizer while INEC focuses on technical processes.  

Aaron Isaac, Hicia News