The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced its 2026 recruitment exercise, inviting qualified Nigerians to apply for entry-level positions across various cadres as part of efforts to strengthen its workforce ahead of future electoral activities.

According to a notice published on the commission’s recruitment portal, applications opened on July 20 and will close on July 27, 2026.

The exercise covers vacancies on Grade Levels 07, 08, 09, 10 and 12, targeting professionals and administrative personnel to support electoral administration, voter registration, election logistics and data management.

INEC stated that the recruitment is designed to reinforce its institutional capacity and improve the efficient delivery of its constitutional responsibilities.

The commission stressed that all applications must be submitted online through its official recruitment portal and warned applicants against patronising fraudsters, emphasising that the exercise is free of charge.

The available vacancies are divided into three categories. The Professional Cadre (Grade Levels 09, 10 and 12) includes positions such as Accountant, Clinical Officer, Lawyer, ICT Officer, Engineer and Quantity Surveyor. Applicants for these roles must possess a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent, while some positions also require a master’s degree, relevant professional certifications, at least two years of post-qualification experience and a valid NYSC discharge or exemption certificate.

For the Administrative Officer II (Registration Area Officer) position on Grade Level 08, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree, Higher National Diploma or an equivalent qualification in the Social Sciences, Humanities or Sciences. Applicants are also expected to demonstrate competence in data management, record keeping and the use of Microsoft Office and other ICT applications.

INEC is also recruiting Executive Officers (Registration Officers) on Grade Level 07. Applicants must possess a National Certificate in Education (NCE) or its equivalent from a recognised institution, alongside good computer literacy, organisational ability and effective communication skills.

Beyond academic qualifications, the commission outlined several general requirements for all applicants.

Candidates must present a valid certificate of state of origin endorsed by the chairman or secretary of their local government, be medically certified as physically and mentally fit by a government medical officer, and must not be older than 35 years at the time of application.

Applicants are also expected to possess good character, have no criminal record, demonstrate integrity, discipline and commitment to public service, and be willing to serve in any part of the country if successful.

To apply, interested candidates should visit the INEC recruitment portal, create an applicant account using their personal details, email address and National Identification Number, verify their email address, select their preferred cadre and vacancy, and upload all required documents.

The required documents include a passport photograph, birth certificate or declaration of age, O’Level certificate, degree, HND, ND or NCE certificate, local government identification certificate and NYSC discharge, exemption or exclusion certificate where applicable.

INEC advised applicants to carefully review their entries before submission, noting that once a vacancy has been selected, it cannot be changed.

The commission added that only shortlisted candidates would proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process. (The Sun)

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