The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has projected a total of N873,778,401,602.08 as the estimated cost for conducting the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this while presenting the Commission’s 2026 budget proposal and a detailed cost breakdown for the general elections before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters.
According to the proposal, Election Operational Costs account for N375,748,195,271.47, while Election Administrative Costs stand at N92,311,591,396.58. The Commission also earmarked N209,205,589,977.70 for Election Technology Costs, covering electronic systems and related infrastructure. In addition, Election Capital Costs are estimated at N154,904,529,641.94.
These four components amount to N832,169,906,287.69.
INEC further included Miscellaneous Expenses totalling N41,608,495,314.39, bringing the grand total election budget to N873,778,401,602.08.
Explaining the figures, Prof. Amupitan noted that the election budget is separate from the Commission’s proposed N171 billion allocation for the current fiscal year, which is intended to fund routine operations, including by-elections and off-cycle polls.
“The general election budget is distinct from our annual operational budget. This submission is strictly for the conduct of the 2027 general elections,” the INEC chairman said.
He added that the presentation complies with Section 3(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which requires the Commission to submit its general election budget at least one year before the polls.
During the session, lawmakers raised concerns about funding mechanisms and the implementation of critical provisions of the amended Electoral Act, particularly the electronic transmission of election results.
Chairman of the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Samuel Lalong, assured that the National Assembly would thoroughly scrutinise the proposal.
“INEC has the responsibility to present its estimates, but the constitutional duty to approve and appropriate funds lies with the legislature. We will examine the proposal carefully to ensure adequate funding for seamless nationwide coverage,” Lalong said.
The committee also disclosed plans to review funding for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to be deployed for election duties, following a request by the scheme for increased financial support.
Under the proposal, each corps member is expected to receive N127,000, in addition to N4,500 for feeding and N5,000 for training over a five-day period. About 450,000 corps members are projected to be deployed nationwide for the elections.
