INEC Rejects N40bn Allocation, Proposes N126bn for 2025 Budget

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the N40 billion allocated to it in the 2025 federal budget, proposing instead a budget of N126 billion to meet its operational needs.

The rejection was announced by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, during a budget defense session at the National Assembly before the joint committee on INEC and Electoral Matters. The session, chaired by Senator Sarafadeen Alli (APC, Oyo South), highlighted the significant financial requirements of the commission in conducting elections in Nigeria.

Prof. Yakubu explained that the N40 billion earmarked for INEC would not suffice, covering less than one-third of the commission’s projected expenses for the year. He emphasized the constitutional nature of INEC’s responsibilities and the need for adequate funding to carry them out effectively.

“Our proposal for the 2025 budget requires over N126 billion,” Yakubu stated, adding that detailed documentation outlining the intended expenditures for the proposed amount had been submitted to the committee. He highlighted key expenses, including personnel costs driven by the new minimum wage and upcoming electoral activities such as bye-elections in 21 constituencies and the Anambra governorship election.

Yakubu further pointed out that in 2024, INEC had to secure intervention funds amounting to N10.5 billion for the Edo and Ondo governorship elections and an additional N500 million for bye-elections in affected constituencies.

Members of the joint committee assured the commission that they would work to ensure the proposed N126 billion was appropriated in the 2025 budget to enable INEC to fulfill its mandate effectively.