The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the ₦40 billion earmarked for it in the 2025 budget, stating that the amount is insufficient to cover the increasing costs of conducting elections in Nigeria.
Thestandardnews reports that the electoral body had originally proposed ₦126 billion for the 2025 budget, and its request has now received tacit approval from the National Assembly’s joint committee on INEC and Electoral Matters.
During the budget defense session before the joint committee, INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu explained that the current ₦40 billion allocation would cover less than one-third of the projected expenses for the year, which total over ₦126 billion. He stressed that elections in Nigeria have become an enormous financial burden, requiring proper funding to ensure effective execution.
“Our proposal for the 2025 budget requires the sum of over ₦126 billion. We have provided a document detailing how this amount will be spent, line by line,” Yakubu said.
Yakubu further explained that the ₦40 billion allocation would not be enough to cover the basic costs of the electoral process, particularly with the new minimum wage raising personnel costs. The budget would also fall short of funding for bye-elections and the Anambra governorship election scheduled for the year.
The INEC chairman pointed out that the electoral body had to rely on intervention funds, including ₦10.5 billion for elections in Edo and Ondo in 2024 and another ₦500 million for bye-elections in affected constituencies.
In response, members of the joint committee expressed strong support for INEC’s proposed budget. Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT) emphasized that the issue was not about finding ₦126 billion for INEC in the 2025 fiscal year but ensuring that the full amount is provided.
Following the discussions, the committee moved into a closed-door session with Yakubu and INEC’s Federal Commissioners to discuss ways to secure the necessary funds for the 2025 budget.
With strong backing from the National Assembly, it appears that INEC’s proposed ₦126 billion budget will be accommodated in the final 2025 budget. This funding is seen as essential to the continued success of Nigeria’s electoral process, ensuring that the commission can meet its constitutional responsibilities and manage the growing financial demands of conducting elections across the country.
