INEC's Amupitan Calls for Better Pay for Election Staff

At a World Press Conference in Abuja, Amupitan, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), declared that INEC staff are the least paid in Nigeria. He argued that improving their remuneration is essential for ensuring that they can fulfill their responsibilities and maintain accountability, especially with ongoing concerns regarding the credibility of future elections.

Amupitan mentioned that INEC has implemented "very radical steps" to enhance the welfare of its workforce, including moving away from the conventional civil service salary structure to establish a separate salary structure for its personnel. He linked these welfare improvements to broader efforts to strengthen the electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections, identifying several weaknesses that need addressing.

Additionally, he noted that INEC is preparing for potential election reruns, which are constitutionally mandated, and emphasized the importance of planning for such scenarios.