The Independent National Electoral Commission has approved the promotion of 2,339 members of staff in its 2025 Senior Staff Promotion Exercise, reaffirming its commitment to merit-based career advancement and institutional stability.
The decision was reached at the commission’s meeting held on February 26, 2026, in Abuja.
In a statement issued by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi, the commission said the promotions cut across various cadres and grade levels within the organisation.
According to the statement, 82 Chief Officers on Grade Levels (GL) 14–15 were elevated to the rank of Assistant Directors.
“Eighty-two Chief Officers on GL 14–15 have been promoted to Assistant Directors as part of the 2025 promotion exercise,” the commission stated.
Similarly, 91 Assistant Directors on GL 15–16 were advanced to Deputy Directors, while 45 Deputy Directors on GL 16–17 rose to the position of Directors.
Providing further breakdown, the commission noted that out of the 45 newly promoted Directors, 18 will remain in active service, while 27 are expected to retire shortly after their elevation in line with public service regulations.
“At the directorate level, 45 Deputy Directors were elevated to Directors. Of this number, 18 will continue in active service, while 27 are due for retirement in accordance with extant rules,” the statement added.
The exercise also covered 2,121 intermediate officers on Grade Levels 07–13 across different departments.
“In all, 2,339 staff benefited from the exercise, which was conducted in line with established guidelines and public service rules,” INEC said.
The commission explained that the move underscores its resolve to reward diligence, strengthen leadership capacity and ensure continuity as preparations intensify for upcoming electoral activities.
Congratulating the affected officers, the commission urged them to uphold professionalism and integrity in the discharge of their duties.
“The commission congratulates the newly promoted officers and encourages them to redouble their commitment to impartiality, professionalism and excellence in service delivery,” the statement concluded.
