The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the N40 billion allocated to it in the 2025 budget estimates, instead securing approval for its proposed N126 billion during a budget defense session with the National Assembly’s Joint Committee on INEC and Electoral Matters.
Speaking before the committee, chaired by Senator Sarafadeen Alli (APC, Oyo South), INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu highlighted the financial challenges faced by the commission. “Elections in Nigeria have become a huge burden requiring adequate funding. Our proposal for the 2025 budget requires over N126 billion,” he explained.
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Yakubu detailed the commission’s expenditure plan, stating, “We have the document that provides details, line by line, on how we intend to spend the N126 billion. The N40 billion budget envelope given to us for 2025 will not cover one-third of our projected expenses, which amount to over N126 billion.”
He emphasized that the budget shortfall would hinder the commission’s constitutional responsibilities, citing the costs of conducting off-cycle elections for 21 constituencies, the Anambra governorship election, and increased personnel costs due to the new minimum wage. “Personnel costs alone will consume the N40 billion budgetary envelope,” he noted.
Yakubu also referenced previous intervention funds, including N10.5 billion for the Edo and Ondo elections in 2024 and an additional N500 million for bye-elections.
Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT), a member of the committee, supported INEC’s request, stating, “The situation at hand is not about looking for the N126 billion for INEC in the 2025 fiscal year but providing it.”
Following Yakubu’s presentation, the joint committee assured INEC that the proposed amount would be appropriated for the 2025 fiscal year. A closed-door session with the INEC Chairman and Federal Commissioners was held to strategize on sourcing the required funds.
