By Ayomide otitoju
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has submitted a proposed budget of ₦126 billion for the 2025 fiscal year. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made the request during a budget defense session before the National Assembly on Friday, emphasizing the need for sufficient funding to fulfill the commission’s constitutional responsibilities.
“Our proposal for 2025 amounts to ₦126 billion. We appeal to members of the National Assembly to approve this budget to ensure the commission is adequately funded for its statutory duties,” Prof. Yakubu stated.
The proposed budget is nearly three times the ₦40 billion approved for INEC last year, which was significantly lower than the ₦80 billion initially requested. Yakubu described the high cost of conducting elections in Nigeria as “exorbitant and burdensome,” highlighting the financial strain it has placed on the commission.
Call for Collaboration
To address these challenges, Yakubu urged lawmakers to convene a retreat that would bring together INEC and the legislature to discuss and develop solutions for the pressing issues affecting Nigeria’s electoral process.
“We need a major conversation. The commission cannot continue conducting elections all year round,” he said, adding that a collaborative approach is critical for sustainable electoral reforms.
Infrastructure Concerns
The INEC chairman also expressed concern over the deteriorating state of the commission’s facilities. He noted that 860 buildings across the country require urgent repairs, further underscoring the need for increased funding.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2025 election cycle, the proposed budget will play a critical role in determining the commission’s ability to execute its mandate effectively.
