The Joint Committee on Electoral Matters has proposed a reduction in the salaries of Nigerian legislators by 30% and those of executive members by 40% to help cut costs.
This proposal was made on Monday, September 2, 2024, during an interactive session with the judiciary and political parties led by Senator Sharafadeen Alli, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, as part of the ongoing National Assembly review and amendment of the Electoral Act 2022.
In addition to the salary reduction, the committee and political parties suggested that all elections—presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and State Houses of Assembly—be conducted in a single day, arguing that the current staggered system is not cost-effective. They also recommended linking continuous voter registration to the National Identity Number (NIN) for enhanced security and reduced costs.
Among the 35 proposals presented by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Chair during the three-day retreat, the registered political parties emphasized that the appointment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman should no longer be the responsibility of the executive but should instead be advertised to interested parties.
Senator Alli assured that the joint committee will engage with INEC and other stakeholders to gather feedback and ensure that future elections are conducted smoothly with minimal disruptions.
