Nigeria's INEC urges higher funding, better staff welfare and NIMC partnership ahead of 2027 elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria, led by Chairman Prof Joash Amupitan, has sought increased and sustained funding from the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to cover the extensive costs of upcoming elections. Amupitan warned that the cost of a governorship election alone exceeds the combined expense of presidential and National Assembly polls and highlighted a growing staff migration and skills gap, stating, “The Commission had, in recent times, lost some experienced staff to migration, and a widening skill gap could emerge as more senior personnel approach retirement.” He called for improved welfare packages, investment in electoral infrastructure, technology and personnel training.

In parallel, INEC announced a collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) under the newly enacted NIMC Act 2026 to cleanse the voters’ register, eliminate duplicate records and streamline continuous voter registration using the National Identification Number (NIN). Amupitan said, “This collaboration will also simplify continuous voter registration by allowing eligible Nigerians to use their NIN for seamless verification.”

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to delivering free, fair, transparent and credible elections, with the presidential and National Assembly polls slated for 16 January 2027, governorship and state assembly elections on 6 February 2027, and an off‑cycle Osun State governorship election scheduled for 15 August 2026. INEC officials assured stakeholders that the Osun poll will reflect the will of the people and be conducted in full compliance with the constitution and electoral law.