The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is requesting a whopping N126 billion for its 2025 budget for approval by NASS. This figure is nearly triple the amount approved last year, raising questions on the challenges of conducting elections in Nigeria.
A Plea for Adequate Funding
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, presented the proposal during a session with the National Assembly on Friday, while defending the implementation of the 2024 budget. He urged lawmakers to approve the N126 billion budget proposal, stressing that the commission’s responsibilities are constitutional and vital to Nigeria’s democracy.
“Our proposal for 2025 requires the sum of N126 billion,” Prof. Yakubu stated. “We need the support of the National Assembly to ensure we are adequately funded for the responsibilities we are required to discharge.”
The Burden of High Election Costs
Prof. Yakubu emphasized the financial strain on the commission, he described the cost of conducting elections in Nigeria as “exorbitant and burdensome.” INEC is currently operating on a N40 billion budget, half of its N80 billion budget last year.
According to Yakubu, this budget shortfall has hindered the commission’s ability to effectively carry out its constitutional duties. Prof. Yakubu emphasized the urgent need for financial support to address these challenges, noting the deteriorating state of INEC’s infrastructure.
The State of INEC Facilities
INEC’s operational capacity is further strained by its aging infrastructure. Prof. Yakubu revealed that 860 buildings across the country require urgent repairs, adding to the commission’s mounting challenges.
A Call for Collaboration
To tackle these issues, the INEC Chair proposed a retreat between the legislature and the commission. This collaboration, he said, would provide a platform to exchange ideas and develop sustainable solutions to improve Nigeria’s electoral process.
“We need a major conversation. The commission cannot continue conducting elections all year round,” Prof. Yakubu lamented.
The Bottom Line
As Nigeria gears up for future elections, INEC’s N126 billion budget proposal highlights the pressing need for adequate funding and institutional support. With elections forming the backbone of democracy, the National Assembly faces a critical decision: to invest in a stronger, more efficient electoral process or risk compromising the integrity of the nation’s democracy.
