INEC Proposed N59b for 2015 elections

Speaking before the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, demanded the sum of N59 billion for the conduction of free and fair elections in 2015, as well as bye-elections this year.
“The N59 billion we requested is the comfort level that will help us get prepared for 2015, but the envelope of N47.3 billion won’t serve. It is difficult to sacrifice the aspirations of Nigerians for free, fair and credible elections if we do not do our job well,” Jega said.
“In order to improve the electoral process, we have to make a lot of investment in facilities and infrastructure towards 2015 and to do this, we have to go back to the N59 billion. We are worried that if adequate preparations are not made, the possible bye-elections may not be possible.”
Citing some of what the money would be used for, he said that 70 million voters cards at a cost of N 129/card and a total cost of over N9 billion would be required, while 120,000 card readers would be required for the 120,000 polling booths across the country.
Speaking, the Chairman of the Committee on Electoral Matters, Jerry Manwe, said: “There is the need to improve on the gains of the 2011 elections and if not properly funded in good time, INEC may not be able to live to expectations of Nigerians in 2015.”