Professor Attahiru Jega, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has revealed that his commission is currently working on a new salary structure for its staffers.

Discussing with journalists in Abuja at an interactive session on Monday, Jega said the review of salary structure is aimed at encouraging INEC workers to give their all on the job.

He disclosed that in order to conduct a credible, free and fair election in coming 2015 general elections, a thorough screening of the commission’s workers has been carried out.

Jega expressed faith in the commission’s staffers, saying they remain committed to conducting credible elections. He also said the commission has started training and re-training members of staff, using bridge workshops, while also reviewing its functions and roles in order to eliminate duplication and overlapping.

Talking at the interactive session, Director of Project, UNDP Democratic Governance for Democracy (DGD), Dr. Mourtada Deme explained the relevance of the DGD project to the country’s democracy, saying it was designed to strengthen the accountability and responsiveness of social institutions.

Deme said DGD appreciates the critical role of the media; and thus has priortised media engagement as a primary focus under component four of its programme.

“The media play a crucial role in keeping citizens engaged in the business of governance, because healthy political process require pluralism and open communication,” he said.

“The media would be a champion for the promotion of a well-informed citizenry through clear public communication and provision of information on policies and processes”.