2025 Budget Defence: INEC Proposes ₦126 Billion, Rejects ₦40 Billion Allocation

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the N40 billion earmarked for it in the 2025 budget estimates, while subtly gaining approval for the N126 billion it proposed to the National Assembly. INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, made the rejection during a budget defense session before the joint committee. He emphasized that the N40 billion would not be sufficient to cover even one-third of the projected expenses for the electoral process.

In his presentation, Yakubu explained that elections in Nigeria have become an increasingly costly endeavor that requires adequate funding. He stated that INEC’s proposal for the 2025 budget amounts to over N126 billion. Yakubu also highlighted that the details of how the proposed budget would be spent had been provided in a line-by-line breakdown, seeking the National Assembly’s support to fulfill INEC’s constitutional responsibilities.

Yakubu further clarified that the N40 billion budget allocation would not suffice, particularly with the personnel cost, which would be significantly impacted by the new minimum wage. He noted that this amount would barely cover expenses for off-cycle elections, including the Anambra governorship election and 21 constituency bye-elections scheduled for 2024. He added that the shortfall had led to INEC securing intervention funds, including N10.5 billion for the Edo and Ondo elections and an additional N500 million for the 2024 bye-elections.

Members of the joint committee expressed their support for INEC’s proposal, with assurances that the full N126 billion would be appropriated in the 2025 fiscal year. Senator Ireti Kingibe of the Labour Party (LP), representing the FCT, emphasized that the focus should not be on finding the N126 billion, but on ensuring its provision. Following the discussions, the joint committee entered a closed-door session with Yakubu and other INEC officials to explore sources for the funding and how to include it in the 2025 budget.