The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has requested N873.78 billion to conduct the 2027 general elections, while also seeking N171 billion to fund its routine operations for the 2026 fiscal year.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made the disclosure on Thursday while presenting the commission’s budget proposals before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters in Abuja.

According to Amupitan, the proposed election budget of nearly N1 trillion is structured across five key areas:

Operational costs: N379.75 billion

Administrative costs: N92.32 billion

Technological costs: N209.21 billion

Election capital costs: N154.91 billion

Miscellaneous expenses: N42.61 billion

The budget for 2026, he added, includes N109 billion for personnel costs, N18.7 billion for overheads, N42.63 billion for election-related activities, and N1.4 billion for capital expenditure. Amupitan emphasized that the allocation is higher than the N140 billion provided by the Ministry of Finance, citing the need for more flexible funding to meet INEC’s operational demands.

Highlighting operational challenges, the INEC boss pointed out the absence of a dedicated communications network, warning that having its own network infrastructure would enhance transparency and accountability during elections.

During the session, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) argued against external agencies dictating INEC’s budget, stressing the sensitive nature of the commission’s mandate. Similarly, Rep. Billy Osawaru called for INEC’s budget to be treated as a first-line charge, ensuring timely and full disbursement.

The National Assembly’s Joint Committee recommended the one-time release of the commission’s annual budget and also agreed to review the NYSC’s request of N32 billion to increase allowances for corps members involved in election duties to N125,000 each.

Senator Simon Along, Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, and Rep. Bayo Balogun, House Committee on Electoral Matters, both pledged legislative support but cautioned the commission against over-promising technological capabilities, referencing the 2023 elections’ result-viewing challenges.

The proposed N873.78 billion represents a significant jump from the N313.4 billion released for the 2023 general elections.