The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has pledged stronger funding support and improved staff welfare for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as preparations gather pace for the 2027 general elections.
Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, gave the assurance while receiving the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, and his delegation during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Shehu said RMAFC had received the communication conveying President Bola Tinubu’s directive on the remuneration package for INEC personnel and would intensify consultations with key stakeholders to facilitate its implementation.
“We have received the relevant communication conveying Mr. President’s directives regarding the remuneration package of INEC. The Commission will intensify consultations with key stakeholders to facilitate the approval conveyed to the Commission,” he said.
He disclosed that a high-level meeting had been scheduled with the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and other critical stakeholders to discuss the implementation framework and broader issues relating to INEC’s funding and operational support.
The RMAFC chairman said the Commission would also work with the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Federal Civil Service Commission, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission and the National Assembly to ensure compliance with existing laws and facilitate any statutory amendments required to improve the salary structure for INEC board members and staff.
“Adequate funding and improved staff welfare remain indispensable to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system and safeguarding the integrity of the country’s democratic process,” Shehu said.
He added: “We are committed to constructive engagement with all relevant institutions to ensure that INEC is adequately supported to discharge its constitutional mandate. Competitive remuneration and sustainable funding are essential for retaining skilled personnel and delivering credible, free and fair elections.”
Earlier, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between both institutions on funding, remuneration and operational preparedness ahead of the 2027 elections.
He revealed that President Tinubu had approved the proposed remuneration adjustments for INEC, subject to legal and regulatory compliance.
“The President has approved the remuneration adjustments proposed for INEC, subject to legal and regulatory compliance. Our focus now is to complete the necessary administrative and legislative procedures for implementation,” Amupitan said.
The INEC chairman warned that persistent funding challenges, the migration of experienced personnel and the imminent retirement of several senior officials could affect the Commission’s operational efficiency if not urgently addressed.
“Persistent funding challenges, the migration of experienced personnel and the imminent retirement of several senior officials could adversely affect our operational efficiency if these issues are not urgently addressed,” he said.
Amupitan noted that adequate financial support would be required to undertake voter registration, election logistics, security coordination, result management and post-election activities, including election petitions and litigation.
Both institutions pledged to deepen collaboration and fast-track the legal, financial and administrative processes needed to strengthen INEC’s operational capacity and ensure the successful conduct of free, fair, transparent and credible elections in 2027.