The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, OFR, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) through improved funding, enhanced staff welfare and robust institutional collaboration to ensure the successful conduct of the 2027 General Elections.
Speaking while receiving the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, and his delegation on a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Dr. Shehu disclosed that RMAFC had received the relevant communication conveying Mr. President’s directives regarding the remuneration package of INEC.
The RMAFC Chairman stated that the Commission would intensify efforts to consult with key stakeholders to facilitate the approval conveyed to the Commission.
He announced that a high-level follow-up meeting had been scheduled with the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and other critical stakeholders to deliberate on the implementation framework and broader issues relating to the funding and operational support for INEC.
Dr. Shehu further assured the INEC leadership that RMAFC in collaboration with relevant agencies such as 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 extant laws, facilitate any necessary statutory amendments to ensure an improved salary structure for INEC board and its personnel.
According to him, adequate funding and improved staff welfare remain indispensable to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system and safeguarding 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.”
Competitive remuneration and sustainable funding are essential for retaining skilled personnel and delivering credible, free and fair elections,” Dr. Shehu stated.
Earlier, the Chairman of INEC, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, explained that the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between both institutions on critical issues relating to funding, remuneration and operational preparedness for the forthcoming elections.
He informed the Commission that the President had approved the remuneration adjustments proposed for INEC, subject to legal and regulatory compliance, adding that the focus now is to complete the necessary administrative and legislative procedures for implementation.
Professor Amupitan highlighted the enormous operational responsibilities facing the electoral body ahead of the 2027 election exercise. The INEC Chairman expressed concern over persistent funding challenges, the migration of experienced personnel, and the imminent retirement of several senior officials, warning that these developments could adversely affect the Commission’s operational efficiency if not urgently addressed.
He stressed that adequate financial support would be required to successfully undertake voter registration, election logistics, security coordination, result management, and post-election activities, including election petitions and litigation.
Both institutions acknowledged that the implementation of the approved remuneration package would require close collaboration with relevant government agencies and, where necessary, legislative action to ensure full constitutional and statutory compliance.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen institutional cooperation and accelerate all necessary legal, financial and administrative processes required to strengthen INEC’s operational capacity and guarantee the successful conduct of free, fair, transparent and credible elections in 2027.
The meeting was attended by some Federal Commissioners of RMAFC, Secretary to the Commission, Directors and Special Advisers to the RMAFC Chairman.
Maryam Umar Yusuf, mnipr
Head, Information and Public Relations, RMAFC.
15th July, 2026