President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday, June 17, 2025, performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the new headquarters annex of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, marking a significant milestone toward addressing the Commission’s longstanding office space constraints.
Speaking at the event, INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for personally attending the ceremony, describing the development as a long-awaited moment for the Commission.
“We are glad that the President found time to personally perform the groundbreaking ceremony of the INEC annex building. For a long time, the Commission has faced serious challenges with space,” he said.
Professor Yakubu explained that the existing headquarters, commissioned in December 1997, was originally designed for eight commission members, 10 departments, and about 500 staff. However, the Commission has since expanded to 13 full-time members, 22 departments, and over 1,000 personnel.
“Every part of the building is now overstretched — offices, meeting rooms, and spaces for important engagements. We even hold general staff meetings outside the office,” he stated.
To manage the space shortage, INEC previously resorted to renting two buildings in Wuse II, but a permanent solution became imperative. Professor Yakubu disclosed that support finally came last year through the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which committed to the construction of a new annex.
He also acknowledged the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) for its historic support. In 1991, when INEC moved from Lagos to Abuja, the FCDA provided space in Garki and later facilitated the construction of the current headquarters.
The new annex, now under construction, is expected to feature modern office spaces, conference rooms, a 1,000-seat auditorium, state-of-the-art IT facilities including an election monitoring and support center, and a museum dedicated to Nigeria’s electoral history in both digital and physical formats.
Professor Yakubu emphasized that the annex is intended to complement the existing headquarters, not replace it. “This is a very special moment for me personally. After nearly 10 years of trying, the project is finally taking off,” he said.
He extended appreciation to President Tinubu, the Deputy Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, the FCT Minister, members of the National Assembly, political party leaders, and other stakeholders for their support in making the project a reality.
“May God continue to bless our efforts. I thank you all,” the INEC Chairman concluded.
The new INEC headquarters annex is expected to enhance operational efficiency and create a more conducive environment for the Commission to deliver on its mandate of conducting credible elections in Nigeria.
