By Ameh Gabriel
ABUJA — June 17, 2025
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the construction of a new annex office complex in Abuja, marking a major step toward addressing long-standing infrastructural challenges facing the Commission. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu performed the groundbreaking ceremony at the Zambezi Crescent site, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions.
In his remarks at the event, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, noted that the existing national headquarters, built in 1997, has become insufficient for the Commission’s rapidly expanding operations. Initially designed for eight national commissioners, 10 departments, and 500 staff, the headquarters now accommodates 13 commissioners, 22 departments, and over 1,000 personnel stretching the facility far beyond its original capacity.
“Every facility is overstretched, from office space to meeting rooms. We even hold our general staff meetings outside the Commission’s premises,” Yakubu stated, revealing that INEC has been compelled to rent additional offices in Wuse Zone II to manage the overflow.
The new annexa approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in March 2025 and supervised by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) is designed to ease this burden. It will include modern office spaces, several conference rooms, a 1,000-seat auditorium, a dedicated IT operations hub, and Nigeria’s first electoral museum to preserve and showcase the nation’s democratic history.
Speaking at the event, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, clarified the administrative process behind the project. He emphasized that although the project will be implemented through the FCDA, it was formally approved and funded by the Federal Executive Council not solely by the FCT Administration.
“This is part of a broader national effort to renovate and build public institutions,” Wike said. “Other FEC-approved projects under this initiative include the ongoing renovation of the National Assembly chambers, construction of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, and new residential units for judicial officers.”
He applauded the INEC Chairman for acknowledging the FCDA’s historic role in Abuja’s development, noting that “when INEC was relocated from Lagos to Abuja, it was the FCDA that provided its infrastructure.” Wike further pledged full commitment from the FCT Administration to ensure the timely and quality delivery of the project.
“With the support we’re receiving from Mr. President, this project will be completed within our first tenure,” he said. “The contractor will be held to the highest standards we won’t compromise on quality or deadlines.”
Prof. Yakubu concluded that this new facility, the third major support INEC has received from the FCDA since 1991, will not replace but complement the existing headquarters, and help the Commission deliver on its growing mandate.
The event drew a high-powered audience, including National Assembly members, security chiefs, political party leaders, civil society representatives, former governors, and senior INEC officials.
