The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) plays a pivotal role in Nigeria's democratic process, overseeing elections and ensuring their integrity. Given the significance of its responsibilities, there's considerable public interest in understanding the remuneration of its leadership, particularly the INEC Chairman. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the INEC Chairman's salary, allowances, and the broader compensation structure within the commission.
Understanding the INEC Chairman's Remuneration
The INEC Chairman's compensation aligns with the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS), which governs salaries for public service officials in Nigeria. According to reports, the annual basic salary for the INEC Chairman is approximately ₦1.9 million.
However, this basic salary is supplemented by various allowances and benefits, which significantly increase the total annual remuneration. These allowances include:
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Accommodation Allowance: 200% of the annual basic salary.
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Furniture Allowance: 300% of the annual basic salary.
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Vehicle Maintenance and Fuel Allowance: 75% of the annual basic salary.
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Personal Assistant Allowance: 25% of the annual basic salary.
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Domestic Staff Allowance: 75% of the annual basic salary.
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Entertainment Allowance: 45% of the annual basic salary.
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Utilities Allowance: 30% of the annual basic salary.
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Newspapers Allowance: 15% of the annual basic salary.
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Monitoring Allowance: 20% of the annual basic salary.
When these allowances are combined, the total annual remuneration for the INEC Chairman can exceed ₦10 million, excluding other potential benefits such as estacode (foreign travel allowances) and duty tour allowances.
INEC Staff Salary Structure
INEC's salary structure is designed to reflect the qualifications and responsibilities of its staff. The commission employs a range of professionals, from entry-level officers to senior directors. Salaries are determined based on grade levels, which correspond to specific roles and qualifications.
Entry-Level Positions
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Grade Level 04 (School Leavers): Annual salary ranges from ₦376,194 to ₦497,000.
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Grade Level 07 (Diploma Holders): Annual salary ranges from ₦638,133 to ₦961,577.
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Grade Level 08 (University Graduates): Annual salary ranges from ₦799,421 to ₦1,174,395.
Senior Positions
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Grade Level 14 (Directors): Annual salary ranges from ₦1,503,149 to ₦2,101,600.
Additional Allowances and Benefits
Beyond the basic salary, INEC staff are entitled to various allowances and bonuses, which enhance their overall compensation. These include:
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Transport Allowance: Varies by grade level; for instance, staff on GL 07 receive ₦30,000 per annum, while those on GL 17 receive ₦240,000 per annum.
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Hazard Allowance: Compensates for the risks associated with electoral duties.
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Responsibility Allowance: Reflects the level of responsibility held by the staff member.
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Meal Subsidy: Provides support for daily sustenance.
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Furniture Allowance: Assists in furnishing official residences.
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Leave Allowance: Paid annually to support vacation expenses.
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Gratuity: A lump sum paid upon retirement.
In 2023, the federal government approved a 40% increase in the Peculiar Allowance for public servants, which also applied to INEC staff. This adjustment aimed to address the rising cost of living and ensure that public servants, including those at INEC, are adequately compensated. The commission's annual staff salary expenditure stands at approximately ₦26.5 billion, with the 40% increase translating to an additional ₦10.6 billion.
Budgetary Considerations and Funding Challenges
INEC's operations are heavily reliant on federal allocations. In 2025, the commission proposed a budget of ₦126 billion, marking a 215% increase from the ₦40 billion allocated in 2024. This substantial increase was attributed to rising personnel costs, the need to conduct off-cycle elections, and preparations for the 2027 general elections. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, emphasized that the previous allocation was insufficient, barely covering personnel expenses and hindering essential electoral activities.
Conclusion
The remuneration of the INEC Chairman and staff reflects the critical role the commission plays in Nigeria's democratic process. While the basic salaries may appear modest, the comprehensive package of allowances and benefits ensures that officials are adequately compensated for their responsibilities. As Nigeria continues to prioritize transparent and credible elections, understanding the financial structures supporting electoral bodies like INEC becomes increasingly important.
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