RMAFC pledges support for INEC funding, staff welfare ahead of 2027 elections

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has pledged to work with relevant government institutions to improve funding and staff welfare for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as part of efforts to strengthen the electoral body ahead of the 2027 general elections.

RMAFC Chairman, Dr Mohammed Bello Shehu, gave the assurance while receiving the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, and his delegation during a courtesy visit to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Shehu disclosed that RMAFC had received communication conveying President Bola Tinubu’s directives on the proposed remuneration package for INEC personnel and said the commission would engage key stakeholders to facilitate its implementation.

The RMAFC chairman added that the commission would collaborate 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’s board members and staff.

According to him, adequate funding and improved staff welfare are critical to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system and protecting the integrity of the country’s democratic process.

“We are committed to constructive engagement with all relevant institutions to ensure that INEC is adequately supported to discharge its constitutional mandate,” Shehu said.

“Competitive remuneration and sustainable funding are essential for retaining skilled personnel and delivering credible, free and fair elections.”

Earlier, INEC Chairman, Prof. Amupitan, said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between both institutions on funding, remuneration and operational preparedness for the 2027 elections.

He disclosed that the President had approved the proposed remuneration adjustments for INEC, subject to legal and regulatory compliance, adding that attention had now shifted to completing the required administrative and legislative processes for implementation.