INEC has rejected the N40 billion allocated in Nigeria’s 2025 budget, arguing it is insufficient. The Commission proposed a N126 billion budget to cover election expenses, personnel costs, and other constitutional responsibilities. INEC officials are seeking support from the National Assembly to ensure adequate funding for upcoming elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the N40 billion proposed in the 2025 budget for its operations. During a joint committee session at the National Assembly on Friday, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu expressed that the amount was insufficient for the Commission’s needs. He argued that the projected total expenditure for 2025 exceeds N126 billion, emphasizing the growing financial burden of conducting elections in Nigeria.
Yakubu explained that the N40 billion allocation would only cover less than one-third of INEC’s projected expenses, particularly due to the rise in personnel costs following the implementation of the new minimum wage. He also highlighted the need for additional funds to conduct off-cycle elections, including the Anambra governorship election and by-elections in 21 constituencies.
The INEC Chairman revealed that the Commission had already received intervention funds totaling N10.5 billion for elections in Edo and Ondo states in 2024, as well as N500 million for other by-elections. Following Yakubu’s presentation, members of the joint committee assured INEC that the proposed budget would be carefully reviewed and that necessary funds would be allocated for the Commission to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities in 2025.
