The scrutiny of Nigeria’s public finances intensified yesterday as lawmakers critically assessed the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) proposal for N873.78 billion to fund the 2027 general elections. Tensions flared as the Commission defended its early budget request, highlighting ongoing issues with fund allocation and financial mismanagement that have plagued several government agencies.
During a joint committee session of the Senate and House of Representatives on Electoral Matters, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, presented the N873.78 billion request, explaining that it was entirely separate from the Commission’s 2026 budget proposal. For the 2026 fiscal year, INEC plans to allocate N171 billion, earmarked for by-elections and off-cycle elections, among other operational costs.
Amupitan clarified that preparations for the 2027 elections had begun in accordance with statutory provisions, which mandate that funds for elections be appropriated at least 360 days before the fixed election date. He emphasized that the early appropriation was essential for proper planning and the seamless execution of the national elections.
The proposed 2027 election budget is structured across five key areas: N379.748 billion for operational costs; N92.317 billion for administrative expenses; N209.206 billion for technological upgrades; N154.905 billion for election capital costs; and N42.608 billion for miscellaneous expenses. While the breakdown was only partially detailed during the session, Amupitan pointed out that the higher allocation for capital costs reflected the inclusion of several capital items that were inadequately covered in previous appropriations.
The proposal does not incorporate an additional request by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which is seeking to increase allowances for corps members working as ad hoc staff during elections.
The INEC Chairman also explained that the Commission’s fiscal year 2026 expenditure proposal of N171 billion was above the N140 billion envelope provided by the Ministry of Finance, underscoring that the envelope budgeting system does not meet the unique operational demands of the Commission. Amupitan cited the lack of a dedicated communications network as one of the main operational challenges, suggesting that establishing such a network would ensure better accountability for technical failures during elections.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) voiced his concerns regarding the current envelope budgeting system, asserting that it was unsuitable for INEC’s specific needs, particularly given the Commission’s crucial role in ensuring free and fair elections. Oshiomhole urged lawmakers to work with INEC’s actual requirements rather than sticking to the rigid framework of the envelope system.
A House of Representatives member from Edo State, Billy Osawaru, suggested that INEC’s budget be made a first-line charge, ensuring that it is released in full and on time, thus providing the Commission with the necessary funds for comprehensive planning and execution.
The joint committee, led by Senators Simon Bako Lalong and Adebayo Balogun, approved a motion recommending a one-time release of the Commission’s annual budget, while also indicating that it would review the NYSC’s request for a N32 billion increase in allowances for corps members engaged in election duties.
Meanwhile, Senate and House committee members raised concerns over the disbursement of funds to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) due to delays and poor fund management. In a separate but related development, the Senate threatened to withhold the 2026 budget allocation for the Office of the Accountant-General over ongoing delays in fund releases and a failure to clear outstanding liabilities.
Senator Sani Musa, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, led the charge against inefficiencies in the Treasury, which he claimed had led to unfulfilled obligations for various agencies, including INEC. Lawmakers expressed frustration with the continued reliance on the outdated envelope system of fund allocation and recommended transitioning to a performance-based disbursement model that links fund releases to specific outputs and outcomes.
Senator Danjuma Goje drew attention to the government’s inability to settle over N2.2 trillion in contractor liabilities, further complicating the financial situation. Other senators called for greater transparency and efficiency in fund management to avoid future disruptions in government operations, particularly for essential sectors like security, health, and education.
In another significant move, the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) recommended that 22 federal MDAs be excluded from the 2026 budget due to persistent accountability breaches. These agencies, including the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), have been accused of failing to submit audited financial statements and ignoring legislative oversight requests.
The PAC’s recommendations reflect ongoing concerns about the management of public funds, and Chairman Bamidele Salam emphasized that agencies that fail to comply with financial regulations and transparency requirements should not expect new budget allocations. The committee’s recommendation aligns with the broader push for fiscal discipline and enhanced accountability across government institutions.
On the ground, protests erupted outside the National Assembly as the National Vanguard for Accountable and Transparent Democracy (NVATD) accused top finance officials, including Minister of Finance Wale Edun and the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamsedeen Ogunjimi, of sabotaging the implementation of the 2025 budget. Protesters, citing discrepancies in fund releases and the failure to clear contractor payments, warned that the lack of progress in these areas would hinder Nigeria’s recovery and exacerbate economic challenges.
Finally, Senator Oshiomhole also raised questions about INEC’s proposal to establish a dedicated hospital for its staff, describing it as a distraction from the Commission’s core responsibilities. He called for the focus to remain on the Commission’s electoral duties, warning against diverting resources to healthcare infrastructure that could detract from INEC’s mandate.
