By Ismail Shuaib
ABUJA: The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has explained why it demanded over N1.5 billion for the release of the Certified True Copies CTC of the National Register of Voters and the complete list of polling units in Nigeria.
A law firm, Messrs V.C. Ottaokpukpu & Associates had requested for the documents.
In a statement signed by Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi, Director of Voter Education & Publicity, on Thursday, the Commission stressed that the figure strictly represents the “actual cost of document duplication and transcription,” in line with the law.
“The Commission received the request on 8th October 2025 and responded on 13th October 2025, approving the application while outlining the cost for processing and issuance,” INEC said. “The sum quoted – 1,505,901,750 Naira – has become a subject of media attention and public inquiry.”
INEC explained that the charges were not arbitrary but calculated according to the Freedom of Information Act. “The cost is determined strictly in line with the provisions of Section 8(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2011, which states that: ‘Where access to information is to be given under this Act, the public institution may charge an amount representing the actual cost of document duplication and transcription,’” the Commission stated.
It added that the applicable charges also derive from electoral law. “In accordance with INEC Guidelines for the Processing and Issuance of Certified True Copies (CTC) of Documents, which draws authority from Section 15 of the Electoral Act 2022, the applicable charge is 250 Naira per page,” it said.
Providing a detailed breakdown, INEC disclosed that the National Register of Voters for the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory contains 93,469,008 registered voters, with 16 voters listed per page, amounting to 6,018,661 pages. In addition, the request for existing polling units across the country, covering 176,848 polling units, would require another 4,946 pages.
“The total number of pages to be printed for both requests is therefore 6,023,607, at a unit cost of 250 Naira per page, resulting in the total sum of 1,505,901,750 Naira,” the Commission explained.
INEC dismissed suggestions that the figure included hidden charges. “The Commission wishes to assure the public that this figure reflects only the actual costs of document duplication and transcription and does not include any other charges,” the statement read.
Reaffirming its position, the Commission added: “INEC remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the responsible management of public resources.”
