The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally rejected the N40 billion allocated to it in the 2025 federal budget, proposing instead a much higher sum of N126 billion to adequately fund its operations.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, presented the proposal during a budget defense session before the joint committees on INEC and Electoral Matters in the National Assembly on Friday.
Yakubu explained that the current budget allocation was insufficient, noting that elections in Nigeria have become increasingly complex and financially demanding.
Yakubu outlined that the N40 billion allocation would only cover a fraction of the total projected expenses, which exceed N126 billion.
He highlighted the financial strain posed by personnel costs, especially in light of the new minimum wage, and the need to conduct off-cycle elections and bye-elections in constituencies, including the Anambra governorship election.
The INEC Chairman also pointed to the commission’s reliance on intervention funds in previous years, such as N10.5 billion for the Edo and Ondo elections in 2024, and additional funds for by-elections.
Despite the rejection, members of the joint committee reassured INEC that its proposed budget would be given due consideration and appropriately allocated in the final 2025 fiscal budget.
