The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called for an increase in its budgetary allocation to N126 billion, significantly higher than the N40 billion allocated in the 2025 budget proposal.
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made this appeal on Friday in Abuja during a budget defence session with the Senate and House of Representatives Joint Committee on INEC and Electoral Matters.
Prof. Yakubu explained that the rising costs of conducting elections in Nigeria necessitated the request for additional funds.
“Our proposal for the 2025 budget requires over N126 billion,” he stated. “We have provided detailed, line-by-line documentation on how the funds will be utilized. We seek the National Assembly’s support to fulfill our responsibilities, many of which are constitutional.”
He emphasized that the current N40 billion budgetary envelope falls significantly short of their needs, covering less than one-third of the projected expenses.
“In addition to off-cycle elections for 21 constituencies and the Anambra governorship election, personnel costs—driven by the new minimum wage—will consume the entire N40 billion,” he said.
Yakubu also noted that similar funding challenges in 2024 led INEC to rely on intervention funds, including N10.5 billion for the Edo and Ondo elections and N500 million for various bye-elections.
Members of the committee expressed their support for the proposed allocation, pledging to ensure the necessary funds are included in the 2025 fiscal budget.
Sen. Ireti Kingibe highlighted the importance of adequately funding INEC. “This is not about searching for N126 billion but about providing it,” she stated.
Following the open session, the committee entered a closed-door meeting with INEC officials to discuss strategies for sourcing and appropriating the funds.
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