2025 Defense Budget: INEC Proposes N126 Billion, Disapproves N40 Billion Allocation

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally rejected the N40 billion allocated for its 2025 budget estimates, while simultaneously receiving tacit approval for its proposed N126 billion budget from the National Assembly. This decision follows the resolution of the joint Committee on INEC and Electoral Matters, comprising members from both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

During a budget defense session yesterday, INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu presented the commission's case to the joint committee, which is chaired by Senator Sarafadeen Alli (APC Oyo South). Professor Yakubu emphasized the increasing financial burden associated with conducting elections in Nigeria, stating, "Our proposal for the 2025 budget necessitates a total of over N126 billion."

He further elaborated, "We have prepared a detailed document outlining our intended expenditures for the N126 billion." The Chairman expressed the need for the National Assembly's support to fulfill the commission's constitutional responsibilities, noting, "The N40 billion budget envelope allocated for 2025 will not cover even one-third of our projected expenses, which total over N126 billion."

Professor Yakubu highlighted that, in addition to the off-cycle elections for 21 constituencies and the Anambra Governorship election scheduled for this year, the rising personnel costs due to the new minimum wage would consume the entire N40 billion budget.

He also pointed out that the insufficiency of the N40 billion allocation led the electoral body to seek intervention funds, including N10.5 billion for the Edo and Ondo elections in 2024, as well as an additional N500 million for bye-elections in affected constituencies during the same year.