INEC Promotes 2,339 Staff, Elevates 82 to Director Cadre

The Independent National Electoral Commission on Tuesday approved the promotion of 2,339 staff members in its 2025 Senior Staff Promotion Exercise.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Victoria Eta-Messi, said the promotions cut across multiple cadres within the commission, noting that the move is aimed at strengthening institutional continuity and rewarding merit.

The decision taken at INEC’s meeting held on Thursday, 26 February 2026, in Abuja saw 82 Chief Officers on Grade Levels 14–15 promoted to Assistant Directors.

At Grade Levels 15–16, 91 Assistant Directors advanced to the rank of Deputy Directors.

At the directorate level, covering Grade Levels 16–17, 45 Deputy Directors were elevated to Directors.

Of the 45 new directors, 18 will remain in active service, while 27 are due to retire shortly after their promotion, in line with public service regulations.

Other affected officers

The exercise also affected 2,121 intermediate officers at Grades 07–13 across various departments.

Eta-Messi says the process followed established procedures. “In all, the promotions cut across multiple cadres and were conducted in accordance with established guidelines and extant public service rules,” she stated.

Adding that the exercise reflects the commission’s resolve to reward dedication and sustain leadership depth within its structure.

The commission congratulated the newly promoted officers and urged them to maintain professionalism, integrity and impartiality in the discharge of their duties.

INEC’s promotion exercises 

INEC conducts periodic promotion exercises as part of the federal public service framework.

The 2025 exercise comes as the commission continues preparations for forthcoming electoral activities nationwide.

The commission has, in recent years, emphasised internal reforms, staff development and institutional stability as critical components of credible election management.

The promotion of over 2,000 personnel is expected to boost morale within the commission and reinforce operational capacity ahead of future electoral engagements.

It also ensures succession planning at senior levels, particularly within the directorate cadre, where several officers are approaching retirement.