The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyisom Wike, has assured that the five-storey annex building of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, will be completed before the end of President Bola Tinubu’s tenure.
Wike gave the assurance while accompanying President Tinubu in a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the INEC office Annex in Maitama, Abuja on Tuesday.
The FCT minister clarified that the project was awarded by the Federal Executive Council and supervised by the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA.
“I’ll personally ensure the contractor justifies every naira spent, even if it means working under the sun and rain,” Wike vowed.
While flagging off the construction of the edifice, President Tinubu declared the project as a bold symbol of Nigeria’s democratic resilience and institutional independence.
Tinubu said the new building is more than a structure, it is a testament to the country’s commitment to credible elections, electoral integrity, and national unity.
“This is not merely about bricks and mortar. It is about the strength of our democracy, the independence of our institutions, and the future of our electoral integrity,” he said.
Tinubu said the project reflects his administration’s commitment to supporting INEC with the infrastructure, policy, and autonomy needed to deliver credible elections.
He expressed optimism that the edifice would stand not just as a building but as a pillar of electoral integrity and national trust, reinforcing the role of INEC in safeguarding the nation’s democracy.
“INEC has been and remains the backbone of Nigeria’s democratic journey. Its role in conducting free, fair, and credible elections is central to the trust our people place in their government and in our democratic processes. For this reason, it is only right that such a pivotal institution is housed in a structure that reflects its dignity, responsibility, and national significance.
“This new headquarters is a clear signal of our unwavering support for INEC’s autonomy, capacity, and growth. It will provide not just a home, but a hub for innovation, planning, training, and transparency in electoral administration.
“Our democracy is still evolving, and as it grows, so too must the institutions that support and protect it. 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 said
Also speaking, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, expressed appreciation to the President, stating that the current headquarters, built in 1997 to house 500 staff, has become overstretched, with the Commission now employing over 1,000 personnel and operating 22 departments.
“Due to inadequate space, we’ve been forced to rent two buildings in Wuse Zone II. After nearly a decade of persistent effort, today’s event marks a historic breakthrough,” he said.
The annex, to be constructed by Quinsville Turkey Projects Limited, will be a five-storey structure with basement parking, a 1,000-seat auditorium, a media centre, and offices equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a robust CCTV system and enhanced antenna security.
Yakubu revealed that the new complex will also house a museum chronicling Nigeria’s electoral history, a first for the Commission.
“This museum will offer citizens, particularly students, a window into the evolution of our elections,” he noted.
On her part, the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, lauded Tinubu’s leadership and reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to institutional development and legacy-building.
“This landmark project aligns perfectly with the President’s vision to equip critical national institutions with world-class infrastructure,” she said.
Earlier, the FCDA Executive Secretary, Richard Dauda, provided technical details of the project and reaffirmed that it would significantly ease INEC’s operational burden while supporting its expanding mandate.
