INEC defends N18bn supplementary budget

Amid the outrage raised by Nigerians, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has defended the N18 billion supplementary budget it brought before the National Assembly saying that it help address issues of staff welfare and allowances.

Chairman of the INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, led a team from the Commission to defend the supplementary budget before the House of Reps Committee on Electoral Matters and the Senate Committee on INEC on Wednesday 1st November, 2023.

The Commission had earlier sent a proposal of 18 billion Naira to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and defended it before the Executive, who referred it to the National Assembly for approval.

During the budget defense, the INEC Chairman explained that N10.6 billion out of the sum would enable the Commission to pay its staff the 40% increase in Peculiar Allowance approved by the Federal Government in April this year.

At the same time, over N3 billion is meant to pay INEC Staff the award of N35,000 approved for each Public Servant across the country for six months by the Federal Government, as well as the new Duty Tour Allowance.

He said the Commission will spend N1.6 billion on the conduct of 11 outstanding bye-elections, comprising 5 Federal Constituencies, 4 State Constituencies, and 2 Senatorial Districts.

Another N1.4 billion, according to a statement by the commission, is to augment the cost of differentials in the budget for the Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi governorship elections.

“This development is expected to bring relief to the Commission’s staff who have clamored for improved welfare in the face of the economic hardship being experienced due to the removal of the fuel subsidy, and consequent increase in the prices of fuel and other commodities”.

The INEC Chairman had during a Consultative Meeting in Abuja with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), appealed to them to inform staff in their respective States of measures being put in place by the Commission to address the economic challenges they faced.

He explained that the six agencies including INEC have not received funds to offset payment of the 40 percent peculiar allowance as approved.

He expressed that the Commission was not unmindful of the economic hardship being experienced by staff.

Prof. Yakubu stressed that the Commission was not resting on its oars in its bid to get the necessary funds to pay the allowances as soon as possible.