Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has said staff of the electoral body are among the least-paid workers in Nigeria, highlighting ongoing issues around INEC staff salaries.
According to Vanguard, Amupitan disclosed this while discussing measures being introduced to improve staff welfare and operational efficiency. These changes, including revisions to INEC staff salaries, are being planned ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC introduces new salary structure
Amupitan said the commission had introduced the Consolidated Election Management Body Salary Structure. This is intended to take INEC workers out of the conventional civil service salary framework and enhance INEC staff salaries.
“When I took over, I discovered that INEC staff are the least paid in Nigeria,” he said. Furthermore, improvement of INEC staff salaries has become a critical concern for the commission.
The chairman said the commission had also approved a 150 per cent increase in operational overheads for state offices. This change will be effective from July 1, 2026.
INEC seeks cash backing
Amupitan said the commission was working to secure the necessary cash backing for improved staff welfare. Implementation is expected to take effect from January 1, 2026.
He argued that improving workers’ conditions was important. This is especially true if the commission expected personnel to meet the standards required to conduct credible elections.
INEC is currently intensifying preparations for the 2027 general elections.
