President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated the construction of the annex office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.
The new INEC secretariat, which will be located along Zambezi Crescent in Abuja, is aimed at addressing the commission’s long-standing need for expanded office space.
It was initiated by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, President Tinubu praised the FCT Minister for the initiative, describing it as a significant contribution to democratic development.
By initiating this project, the FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has taken another important step towards protecting democracy in this country. I say thank you very much,” the president said.
At the event, the president also said his administration is committed to INEC’s transparency.
Today’s ceremony is not merely about bricks and mortar but about the strength of our democracy, the independence of our institution and the future of our electoral integrity.
“INEC has been and remains the backbone of Nigeria’s democratic journey, It’s role in conducting free, fair, election is central to the trust in their government and in our democratic process.
For this reason, it’s only right that such a pivotal institution is housed in a structure that reflects the dignity, responsibility, and national significance of that institution.
“The new headquarters is a clear signal of our unwavering support for INEC’s autonomy, capacity, and growth to provide not just a home but a conducive hub for planning, training, and transparency in electoral administration.
Our democracy is still evolving and as it’s growing, so too is the institution that supports and protects it, we are committed to ensuring that INEC is fully equipped not only in infrastructure but in law, policy, and resources to carry out its constitutional mandate with courage, fairness, and excellence.”
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, expressed appreciation to the FCT Administration for the intervention, noting that the commission has faced severe space limitations as it continues to expand its operations.
He said the building, originally designed for a smaller structure, has become overstretched due to the expansion of INEC’s operations over the years.
Our present national headquarters is severely congested. Today, there are 13 full-time Commission members, 22 Departments/Directorates and 1,048 staff. Every facility is overstretched, from offices to meeting rooms,” Yakubu said.
He explained that the lack of space has forced INEC to rent two additional buildings in Wuse Zone II to accommodate staff and activities, including regular engagements with stakeholders.
Yakubu said INEC’s technical department designed the new annex and will feature modern facilities, including offices, meeting and conference rooms, a 1,000-seat auditorium, and dedicated spaces for IT systems such as the Election Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC).
He said the new facility will also house a museum chronicling Nigeria’s electoral history.
This will afford citizens, particularly students who regularly visit the Commission on excursion, the opportunity to appreciate the evolution of our electoral history,” he said.
Yakubu described the project as a personal milestone, adding that the commission had made persistent efforts over the past decade to realise the plan.
“For me personally, this is a special occasion. After almost ten years of persistent effort, the construction of the INEC Annex Building is finally a reality,” he said.
