INEC has explained why it charged ₦1.5 billion for certified copies of voter data.
The commission said the fee only covers duplication and certification costs as allowed by law.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified the reason behind the ₦1.5 billion fee charged for producing Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the National Register of Voters and polling unit lists requested by a private firm, Messrs V.C. Ottaokpukpu & Associates.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 16, 2025, and signed by the Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs Victoria Eta-Messi, the Commission explained that the charge was consistent with existing legal provisions and covered only the actual cost of reproducing and certifying the requested materials.
INEC said the application from the firm was received on October 8 and approved on October 13, with full details of the cost breakdown provided. The total sum of ₦1,505,901,750 later sparked online debate after the quotation became public.
Quoting Section 8(1) of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, the Commission noted that public institutions are allowed to recover only the real cost of duplicating information requested by individuals or organizations. It also referred to Section 15 of the Electoral Act, 2022, which authorizes INEC to issue certified copies of electoral documents at a rate of ₦250 per page.
The Commission revealed that the National Register of Voters contains 93,469,008 registered voters, with an average of 16 names per page amounting to 6,018,661 pages while the list of 176,848 polling units adds another 4,946 pages, bringing the total to 6,023,607 pages.
“At the approved rate of ₦250 per page, the total payable amount is ₦1,505,901,750,” the statement explained.
INEC emphasized that the amount represents only the cost of duplication and certification, with no hidden administrative or service charges.
“The Commission remains committed to transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public resources,” Eta-Messi added.
