The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Salary possesses intriguing interest for many professionals contemplating applying for a job within the public sector of Nigeria, particularly the INEC.
INEC is the body that conducts and manages elections in Nigeria. Their work entails overseeing elections and ensuring that there is fairness, transparency, and accountability within the electoral processes.
INEC’s work has a direct impact on a nation’s development. A question most Nigerians ask is, “How much does INEC pay its employees?”
In this article, we will look into the INEC salary structure, including allowances, benefits, and other relevant information that affects remuneration.
This breakdown is beneficial to both prospective employees of INEC and to the general public who wish to understand the structure of the INEC compensation system.
Also read: Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) in Nigeria (PDF Download)
What is INEC?
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is the Electoral body that conducts elections in Nigeria. Established in 1998, INC manages and ensures that there are free, fair, and credible elections all over the country. INEC has the following responsibilities: voter registration, monitoring political party campaigns, and announcing results of the elections.
To achieve its mandate, INC employs thousands of staff across the country. All these employees are put on a remuneration system which pays the staff according to their clearly defined job descriptions and responsibilities.
Overview of INEC Salary Structure
INEC salaries are structured based on civil service guidelines, with positions categorized under different salary grades. Salaries vary depending on whether the staff is permanent, contract, or ad-hoc (temporary). Permanent staff receive monthly salaries, while ad-hoc staff are paid allowances per duty.
INEC Permanent Staff Salary Breakdown
INEC’s permanent staff includes directors, administrative officers, and support staff. Their salaries are based on the Federal Government Consolidated Salary Structure and follow these approximate monthly pay ranges:
- Grade Level 08 (Entry-level Officers): ₦95,000 – ₦120,000
- Grade Level 09 – 12 (Mid-Level Officers): ₦130,000 – ₦250,000
- Grade Level 13 – 15 (Senior Officers): ₦280,000 – ₦400,000
- Grade Level 16 – 17 (Directors and Commissioners): ₦450,000 – ₦600,000+
Additional allowances may include housing, transport, and utility allowances, depending on the role and location.
INEC Ad-Hoc Staff Salary During Elections
INEC employs thousands of ad-hoc staff during elections. These include Presiding Officers (POs), Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs), Collation Officers, and Returning Officers. Their pay is usually structured per election and includes training, feeding, and transport allowances.
Below is the payment breakdown during general elections:
- Presiding Officers (POs): ₦70,500 – ₦100,000
- Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs I, II, III): ₦58,000 – ₦85,000
- Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs): ₦70,000 – ₦120,000
- Collation Officers/Returning Officers: ₦120,000 – ₦250,000 (Depending on seniority and duty)
INEC NYSC Corp Member Pay
Members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who serve as ad-hoc staff during elections are also paid stipends. Corps members often serve as APOs and POs.
- NYSC INEC Pay: ₦58,000 – ₦75,000 per election
They also receive training and feeding allowances.
INEC Allowances and Bonuses
Apart from basic salary, INEC provides various allowances to staff, especially during election periods. These may include:
- Transport Allowance
- Training Allowance
- Feeding Allowance
- Accommodation (for election officials in rural areas)
During national elections, staff may also receive hazard allowances due to the risks involved.
INEC Job Roles
INEC employs a wide range of professionals to fulfill its mandate. Key job roles include:
- Administrative Officers: Oversee office operations and ensure smooth communication between departments.
- Election Officers: Coordinate and monitor voting activities in various regions.
- IT Specialists: Manage INEC’s technology infrastructure, including electronic voting systems.
- Legal Officers: Offer legal counsel and ensure compliance with electoral laws.
- Voter Education Officers: Create awareness campaigns to educate citizens about voting processes.
Each role contributes uniquely to INEC’s mission of delivering free and fair elections
INEC Salary Compared to Other Government Agencies
INEC salaries are considered competitive compared to similar roles in other agencies such as:
- National Population Commission (NPC)
- National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)
- Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)
While INEC does not pay the highest, the addition of allowances during elections makes it attractive, especially for temporary staff.
Factors That Influence INEC Salary
Several factors influence how much an INEC staff earns:
- Position/Grade Level
- Years of Experience
- Election Period or Non-Election Period
- Duty Location (urban vs rural)
- Nature of Employment (permanent or ad-hoc)
How to Apply for INEC Jobs
INEC job openings are posted on its official recruitment portal and through public service channels. Ad-hoc positions are usually advertised in the months leading up to a general or local government election.
Applicants should ensure they meet eligibility requirements, especially for ad-hoc roles like:
- Being a serving corps member, student of tertiary institution, or public servant
- Possessing a valid means of ID
- Having basic digital literacy skills
Final Thoughts on INEC Salaries
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offers a competitive salary structure along with other numerous perks and benefits that employees of the commission do appreciate. Each staff, whether they are at the entry, mid or senior level, all receive proper compensation and benefits.
Gaining knowledge about INEC salaries and allowances enables most of the aspirational job seekers to make an informed decision on whether or not working with the commission meets their career objectives.
Being that INEC is responsible for managing Nigeria’s elections, there is little doubt why they are viewed as one of the most reputable employers in the public sector.
Gaining an understanding of the INEC salary structure is crucial whether you are interested in trying out a full time role or applying as an ad-hoc staff during elections.
The commission is not known to have the highest paid government jobs, but they do offer consistent salaries with increased compensation during election times.
Furthermore, serving the commission allows for gaining experience while working in public service.