The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented a proposed budget of ₦873.778 billion to conduct Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, alongside a separate ₦171 billion request to finance its activities in 2026.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, revealed the figures on Thursday while defending the Commission’s financial proposals before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters.
He clarified that the nearly ₦874 billion earmarked for the 2027 polls is distinct from the ₦171 billion sought for 2026, which is intended to cover routine operations, including by-elections and off-cycle governorship contests.
A detailed breakdown of the 2027 election budget shows that ₦379.748 billion is projected for operational logistics, ₦92.317 billion for administrative expenses, ₦209.206 billion for technology infrastructure, ₦154.905 billion for capital projects, and ₦42.608 billion for miscellaneous expenditures.
Notably, the projection does not include a separate request from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which is seeking a review of allowances for corps members engaged as ad hoc electoral staff.
2026 Fiscal Year
For the 2026 fiscal year, Amupitan explained that although the Ministry of Finance set a budget ceiling of ₦140 billion for the Commission, INEC requires ₦171 billion to effectively discharge its responsibilities.
The 2026 proposal consists of ₦109 billion for personnel costs, ₦18.7 billion for overhead expenses, ₦42.63 billion for election-related activities, and ₦1.4 billion for capital projects.
During his presentation, the INEC chairman criticized the current envelope budgeting system, arguing that it does not adequately reflect the dynamic and often urgent funding needs of an electoral body, particularly as major elections approach.
He also underscored the importance of establishing a dedicated communications network to improve transparency and maintain public trust, especially in the event of technical disruptions.
Lawmakers expressed support for reforms to the funding structure. Senator Adams Oshiomhole advocated scrapping the envelope system, while the Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Rep. Billy Osawaru, proposed placing INEC’s budget on first-line charge to ensure prompt disbursement and improve long-term planning.
The Joint Committee later endorsed a motion recommending the one-off release of INEC’s annual allocation to enhance operational efficiency.
It also indicated that it would examine a separate ₦32 billion proposal from the NYSC to increase corps members’ election duty allowance to ₦125,000.
While pledging the legislature’s support, Rep. Bayo Balogun cautioned INEC against raising public expectations it might struggle to meet.
He referenced past controversies surrounding the Commission’s Result Viewing Portal, noting that it generated expectations of real-time result transmission despite lacking explicit provisions in the Electoral Act.
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Similarly, Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, Senator Simon Lalong, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to providing sufficient funding to enable the Commission to adequately prepare for the 2027 general elections.