The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has disclosed that the commission is seeking a total allocation of N1.04 trillion to fund upcoming elections and cover its operational activities.

Represented by a senior official, Mr. Amupitan, during a budget defence session before the National Assembly, INEC explained that the proposed sum is intended to cater for general elections, off-cycle governorship polls, bye-elections, voter registration exercises, and other statutory responsibilities of the commission.

According to the commission, the funding request reflects the increasing cost of electoral logistics, technological upgrades, security coordination, and inflationary pressures affecting procurement and service delivery nationwide. INEC officials noted that election management in a country as large and diverse as Nigeria requires significant financial resources to ensure credibility and transparency.

A substantial portion of the proposed budget is expected to cover the deployment and maintenance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), voter register updates, training of ad-hoc staff, and transportation of sensitive and non-sensitive materials across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

INEC also emphasised the need to strengthen its digital infrastructure, including result transmission systems, data storage facilities, and cybersecurity measures. The commission stated that investments in technology are aimed at improving public trust in the electoral process and reducing disputes arising from manual collation errors.

Lawmakers at the session reportedly questioned certain cost components, requesting detailed breakdowns to justify the size of the proposal. However, INEC maintained that the estimate was carefully prepared in line with projected electoral activities over the coming cycle.

The commission further highlighted the financial burden of conducting continuous voter registration and replacing damaged or lost Permanent Voter Cards, alongside preparations for court-ordered reruns and supplementary elections.

Political observers say the N1.04 trillion request underscores the growing complexity and scale of election administration in Nigeria. Analysts also point out that early budget approval would allow the commission to plan procurement and logistics well ahead of scheduled polls.

INEC reaffirmed its commitment to conducting free, fair and credible elections, stressing that adequate funding remains critical to achieving that mandate.

Deliberations on the proposal are expected to continue as the National Assembly reviews the commission’s financial requirements within the broader national budget framework.