…Project to feature museum, media centre, and 1,000-capacity auditorium
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated the construction of a new annex office for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and electoral integrity.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, Tinubu described INEC as the backbone of Nigeria’s democratic journey and stressed the need to equip the electoral body with the infrastructure, legal support, and resources it needs to perform its constitutional responsibilities effectively.
“For this reason, it is only right that such an institution is housed in a structure that reflects its dignity, responsibility and national significance,” the president said.
According to Tinubu, the new INEC annex will not only provide a conducive working environment but also serve as a hub for innovation, planning, training, and transparency in electoral administration.
“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,” he added.
The president commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for initiating the project, describing it as another vital step toward protecting and deepening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“To all Nigerians, I say this democracy is not a destination, but a journey. Together, let us strengthen our institutions, safeguard our freedom and protect the future,” Tinubu urged.
In his remarks, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, explained that the commission’s current headquarters, inaugurated in 1997, had become severely congested due to the expansion of its responsibilities and staff.
Yakubu revealed that the number of full-time commission members has increased from eight to 13, while departments have risen from 10 to 22, with staff strength more than doubling to 1,048.
“Every facility is overstretched, from offices to meeting rooms. We were even compelled to rent additional buildings to ease the situation,” he said.
Yakubu praised the Tinubu administration and the FCTA for addressing the long-standing accommodation challenge. He also dismissed concerns about the FCTA funding the project, noting it is the third time in 34 years that the capital territory administration has supported INEC’s infrastructure needs.
“The building plan also includes a museum to serve as a repository for the physical and digital history of elections in Nigeria,” Yakubu noted, saying it would help citizens—especially students—understand Nigeria’s electoral evolution.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike explained that the project, awarded in March 2025 by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), is part of a broader plan to upgrade public infrastructure across the capital.
Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Mr. Richard Dauda, said the new facility would be located on Plot 442, Maitama District, Abuja, and sit on 1.5 hectares of land.
The annex will include a five-storey building with basement parking, a media centre, library, museum, several meeting rooms, a 1,000-capacity auditorium, and secure office spaces for key INEC departments and leadership.
Wike assured the president that the project would be completed within the Tinubu administration’s tenure, reinforcing the government’s resolve to support democratic growth with practical infrastructure development.
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