Polls: FCTA grants INEC’s request to use ICC as Collation Centre

The Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Independent National Electoral Commission have concluded arrangements for the use of the Abuja International Conference Centre as the National Collation Centre for the upcoming elections.

The Director, Information and Communication, FCT, Muhammad Hazat-Sule, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

Hazat-Sule explained that the decision was taken during a meeting between officials of the FCT Administration, led by the Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola, and a delegation from the INEC, led by National Commissioner, Legal Services, May Agbamuche-Mba, at the FCTA Secretariat.

The Director said the centre would be handed over to INEC from February 20, 2023 till March 15, 2023.

Hazat-Sule said: “Consequently, INEC will be the only statutory body to give clearance for movements in and out of the ICC.

“For safe and conducive use of the facility, FCT Administration will also ensure a stable power supply to the area, fumigate the environment, clean, and maintain the vicinity, improve external lighting and cancel all events within the period.”

The statement said the FCT Permanent Secretary during the meeting directed the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council and Parks and Recreation Department to, forthwith, close all parks around the area.

This, according to him, is with a view to enabling the security agencies to fortify the area to ward off any unauthorised access.

Adesola also directed that movements of commuters around the centre be restricted for the period.

He appealed to residents with residential houses around the ICC to show understanding, insisting that it was a national duty.

While declaring that the ICC was ready to be used once again to host the nation by serving as National Collation Centre, Adesola said it was synonymous with peace.

The Permanent Secretary said the FCT Administration gathered a high calibre of professionals during the breakfast meeting to make the job of INEC easier.

Responding, Agbamuche-Mba lauded the proactive measures taken by the FCT Administration, saying: “Indeed, the job of INEC is made easier.”