President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has flagged off the groundbreaking of a new Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) national headquarters annex office complex in Maitama, Abuja.
Speaking at the event, President Tinubu said the groundbreaking ceremony was not merely about bricks and mortar, but about the strength of the nation’s democracy, the independence of the institutions, and the future of the electoral integrity.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He said that the FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has taken another bold step in ensuring the protection of the nation’s democracy by initiating the project and saluted his courage, saying he was proud of him.
In his speech, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, expressed appreciation to the President for attending the event in person.
He said that the new building will help reduce the pressure on the current headquarters, which has become overcrowded over the years.
Also speaking, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, said that the project was not awarded by the FCTA, but by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in March 2025.
Speaking earlier, acting Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Mr Richard Dauda, said that the building on Plot 442, Maitama District, along Zambezi Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Way, would occupy 1.5 hectares.
“The scope of the works included the construction of a five-storey building with basement parking, media centre, library, museum, and various meeting rooms.
“Others would be security control room and office accommodation for the management of INEC, as well as some key departments,” Dauda said.
The FCT minister had earlier come under fire for building quarters for judges at the Mabushi area of Abuja, which the critics said was meant to influence the judges, allegations he had denied.
His Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, had earlier told one of our reporters that the FCTA Administration has the responsibility of building and maintenance of public buildings in the nation’s capital.
(Daily Trust)
