As a significant contributor to Nigeria’s democratic process, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) relies on the invaluable assistance of corps members serving as ad hoc staff during various elections. Their commitment, reliability, and patriotic spirit have earned them a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth conduct of elections across the nation. One aspect that often piques the interest of potential corps members is the remuneration they receive for their election duties.
In this comprehensive guide, we shed light on the details of how much INEC pays corpers for governorship and presidential elections. By breaking down the allowances and benefits offered during these electoral exercises, aspiring ad-hoc staff can better understand the financial incentives associated with their crucial role in upholding the democratic process.
How Much Does INEC Pay Corpers For Governorship Election
For governorship elections, INEC pays corp members a total of N17,500.00 as Election Duty Allowance. This amount is divided into four components:
- Training Allowance: A sum of N4,500.00 is provided to corps members after they have completed the necessary training and certification required for deployment on the eve of the election.
- Transport Allowance: An additional N3,000.00 is paid on the night preceding the election to cover transport expenses.
- Feeding Allowance: Corp members receive N1,000.00 on the night preceding the election to cater to their feeding needs during their electoral duties.
- Honorarium: The final component of N9,000.00 is paid immediately after the election as an honorarium for their service.
It’s important to note that different states may have varying allowances for governorship elections. For instance, Akwa Ibom State pays corp members N10,000.00 along with a training allowance of N4,500.00. Additionally, some corp members in Plateau State have reported receiving N17,500.00 in certain Local Government Areas (LGAs).
How Much Does INEC Pay Corpers For Presidential Election
For presidential elections, INEC pays corp members participating as ad-hoc staff a total of N30,500.00. This amount encompasses training allowance, transport allowance, and refreshment allowance during the three-day training period. The breakdown is as follows:
- Training Allowance: N4,500.00 covers transportation and refreshment expenses during the training, which takes place two weeks before the election.
- Deployment Allowance: After training, corp members receive N13,000.00, which includes transport, feeding, and an honorarium of N9,000.00 and N4,000.00 for the election day.
- For the presidential election, INEC pays a separate N17,500.00 to each member.
- Some corpers receive as much as N50,000–N75,000 in some LGAs across the country.
In summary, the election payment for Presiding Officers and Assistant Presiding Officers is as follows:
- Honoraria: N7,000.00
- Feeding Allowance: N1,000.00 per day
- Transport Allowance: N3,000.00
- Total: N11,000.00
The honoraria is a lump sum payment that is made to election officers for their services on Election Day. The feeding allowance is a daily payment that is made to cover the cost of meals for election officers. The transport allowance is a payment that is made to cover the cost of transportation to and from the polling station.
The election payment is made to election officers who are deployed to polling stations on Election Day. The payment is made after the election has been completed and the results have been announced.
The training allowance for Presiding Officers and Assistant Presiding Officers is N3,000.00 per day. The feeding allowance is N1,500.00 per day. The total amount of the training payment is N4,500.00.
Here is a breakdown of the training payment for election officers:
- Training Allowance: N3,000.00 per day
- Feeding Allowance: N1,500.00 per day
- Total: N4,500.00
The training payment is made to election officers who attend the mandatory training sessions organized by INEC. The training sessions cover a variety of topics, including the electoral process, the use of voting machines, and security procedures.
Why Corpers Are Used To Conduct Elections
During crucial election periods in Nigeria, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognizes the pivotal role that corps members play as ad-hoc staff. The decision to employ corps members is driven by several compelling factors, cementing their position as among the most suitable and valuable election duty staff in the nation.
- Highly Educated and Knowledgeable
Youth corps members are distinguished by their high level of education. Having recently completed their tertiary education, they possess up-to-date knowledge and insights into various fields, making them well-equipped to handle diverse tasks during elections. Their academic background ensures that they comprehend the significance of transparent and fair electoral processes, contributing to the overall credibility of elections.
- Reliability and Patriotism
The corps members’ unwavering dedication to national service is a testament to their deep sense of patriotism. As young graduates, they embody the spirit of unity and commitment to Nigeria’s growth and development. Their eagerness to serve during elections demonstrates their strong belief in upholding democratic values and participating actively in shaping the nation’s future.
- Availability and Readiness
During election periods, having a readily available and vast pool of ad-hoc staff is essential for ensuring smooth and efficient electoral operations. Corps members, being part of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), are accessible across various states, local governments, and communities. Their widespread presence and availability make them a reliable choice for INEC’s election staffing needs.
INEC acknowledges the indispensable role of corps members and places a high priority on their welfare and security during election duties. The commission collaborates closely with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to ensure that the needs of the graduates are well taken care of during their electoral engagements.
Before election day, INEC takes proactive measures to provide necessary amenities to the corps members. Registration Area Centers are equipped with mattresses, toiletries, water, lighting, and security arrangements, creating conducive conditions for them to carry out their duties effectively.
The immense impact of corpers on the electoral process is evident in their overwhelming representation among INEC’s ad-hoc staff. During recent elections, over 200,000 corps members served as ad-hoc staff, constituting over 75 percent of INEC’s total ad-hoc workforce. This staggering number reflects the trust that INEC places in the capabilities of corps members and their vital role in ensuring transparent, free, and fair elections.
In conclusion, the engagement of corps members as ad-hoc staff during elections is a testament to their exceptional qualities as educated, reliable, and patriotic individuals. INEC’s commitment to their welfare and the collaboration with the NYSC further emphasize their significant role in upholding democratic values and ensuring the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process. As key contributors to the nation’s electoral success, corps members stand as a proud symbol of Nigeria’s bright and promising future.