The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed a budget of N126 billion for the 2025 fiscal year, citing the inadequacy of the N40 billion allocated by the Federal Government.
Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman, made this request on Friday during a budget defense session before the joint committee of the senate and house of representatives on INEC.
Yakubu emphasized that the proposed N40 billion would not cover one-third of the commission’s projected expenses, which amount to over N126 billion.
“Our proposal for the 2025 budget—the provision requires the sum of over N126 billion.
“We have the document that has provided details, line-by-line details, on how we intend to spend the N126 billion.
“In a nutshell, the N40 billion budget envelope given to us for 2025 will not cover one-third of projected expenses, which amounts to over N126 billion,” he said.
The INEC chairman attributed the increased budget requirement to personnel costs associated with the new minimum wage, off-cycle elections, and preparations for the 2027 general elections.
He also mentioned that the commission has over 14,700 personnel, making it one of the largest workforces in the country.
Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing FCT, acknowledged the necessity of INEC’s demand for optimal operation but expressed concerns over the source of funding.
The committee members promised to increase the budget of the commission to meet its needs.
Yakubu also disclosed that the commission requested intervention funds of N10.5 billion for the Edo and Ondo off-cycle elections and N500 million for bye-elections in 2024 due to the “poor” budgetary allocation.
