Janet Samuel
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday, officially flagged off the construction of a new Headquarters Annex for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to deepening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Located on Zambezi Crescent beside the current headquarters, the new annex is aimed at expanding INEC’s capacity to manage electoral processes more efficiently.
President Tinubu described the groundbreaking as more than a physical project, calling it a vital investment in the sustainability and integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.
“This is not just about bricks and mortar,” he said. “It is about safeguarding the independence of our institutions and securing the future of free and fair elections in Nigeria.”
The President commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, for championing the project and acknowledging the consistent support of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) since INEC’s relocation from Lagos to Abuja in 1991. He affirmed that the annex will serve as a hub for innovation, training, and transparency in electoral administration.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for personally attending the ceremony and supporting the Commission’s growth. noting that the existing headquarters, built in 1997, was designed for a much smaller institution and is now overstretched, forcing staff to operate from rented spaces.
“With over 1,000 staff, 22 departments, and growing responsibilities, our current facilities are no longer adequate,” Prof. Yakubu said. “This annex is the result of nearly a decade of effort and engagement with key stakeholders.”
The new structure will feature state-of-the-art office spaces, a 1,000-seat auditorium, a modern election monitoring and support centre, and a museum of Nigeria’s electoral history to support research and public education. Prof. Yakubu clarified that the annex will complement, not replace, the existing headquarters.
Highpoint of the event was a symbolic groundbreaking by President Tinubu, who pledged continued federal support for INEC and other democratic institutions. “Let this new annex rise as a testament to our shared commitment to transparency, accountability, and national unity,” he declared.
