Amupitan: INEC Staff Least Paid in Nigeria

Prof. Joash Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has expressed concern over the low salaries of INEC staff, stating that they are the lowest-paid workers in Nigeria. Amupitan made this remark while discussing INEC's plans for the 2027 general elections during a World Press Conference in Abuja.

He emphasized that raising INEC personnel's remuneration is crucial for their responsible discharge of duties and accountability, especially due to the ongoing questions about the credibility of future elections.

Amupitan revealed that INEC has taken significant steps to enhance the welfare of its workforce, moving away from traditional civil service salary arrangements and creating a distinct electoral structure and separate salary system. He pointed out that the previous civil service model had been discarded, and INEC personnel now receive a unique compensation structure.

The chairman attributed these welfare measures to the commission's broader efforts to strengthen the electoral system in preparation for the 2027 elections. He highlighted several weaknesses that need to be addressed and stated that tackling them all would help resolve some of the system's problems.

Furthermore, Amupitan disclosed that INEC is considering the possibility of rerun elections in their preparations for the 2027 polls, as reruns are constitutionally permissible. He emphasized that the Constitution provides the necessary procedures and protocols for conducting rerun elections, further underscoring the importance of addressing this aspect in the commission's plans.