President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially inaugurated the construction of a new annex office for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, marking a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s democratic infrastructure.
The new secretariat, situated along Zambezi Crescent in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is intended to address INEC’s long-standing need for expanded workspace. The project was initiated by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, President Tinubu commended the FCT Minister for his foresight, calling the initiative a significant contribution to the nation’s 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,” Tinubu stated.
The president reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to INEC’s independence and integrity, emphasizing that the new structure symbolizes more than just physical development.
“Today’s ceremony is not merely about bricks and mortar, but about the strength of our democracy, the independence of our institutions, and the future of our electoral integrity,” he said.
He noted that INEC’s role in conducting free and credible elections remains crucial to public trust in the democratic process and underscored the need for the commission to operate from a facility befitting its national importance.
“This new headquarters is a clear signal of our unwavering support for INEC’s autonomy, capacity, and institutional growth. It is not just a home, but a hub for planning, training, and ensuring transparency in electoral administration,” the president added.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, in his remarks, expressed deep appreciation to the FCT Administration for the intervention, highlighting that the commission has outgrown its current office space due to expansion in structure and operations.
“Our present national headquarters is severely congested,” Yakubu said. “Today, there are 13 full-time Commission members, 22 departments and directorates, and 1,048 staff. Every facility — from offices to meeting rooms — is overstretched.”
He revealed that INEC has had to rent two additional buildings in Wuse Zone II to accommodate its staff and operations. The new annex, designed by INEC’s technical team, will include state-of-the-art offices, conference and meeting rooms, a 1,000-seat auditorium, and dedicated IT infrastructure, such as the Election Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC).
In a symbolic addition, the new facility will also house a museum showcasing Nigeria’s electoral history — aimed at educating citizens, especially students, about the country’s democratic evolution.
“For me personally, this is a special occasion. After nearly a decade of effort, the construction of the INEC Annex Building is finally becoming a reality,” Yakubu said.
