Nigeria TV Info — INEC Confirms ₦1.5 Billion Fee for Certified True Copy of National Voters Register

Abuja, Nigeria — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that a law firm, V-C Ottaokpuku & Associates, is required to pay ₦1.5 billion for the production of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the National Register of Voters covering all polling units across Nigeria.

According to Arise News, the law firm had invoked the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act to request access to the comprehensive national voters’ register.

In a formal response dated October 13, 2025, and signed by INEC Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, the electoral body stated that the request was duly approved in line with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2011 and Section 15 of the Electoral Act 2022, which allow public access to official records upon formal application.

However, INEC explained that the ₦1,505,901,750 fee must be paid before the process could move forward, describing the sum as the cost of producing the massive database of registered voters across the country’s polling units.

In the commission’s letter, Oriaran-Anthony wrote:

> “The commission has approved your request for a copy of the National Register of Voters for the entire country and the existing polling units in all the electoral wards in Nigeria pursuant to Section 15 of the Electoral Act 2022.

You are hereby requested to pay the sum of ₦1,505,901,750 being the cost of production. Kindly pay the said amount into INEC Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) and present the proof of payment (e-receipt) in order to proceed with your request.”

The development has sparked discussions about transparency, access to public data, and the cost implications of obtaining large-scale electoral documents under Nigeria’s Freedom of Information laws.

Observers note that while INEC’s approval demonstrates compliance with the FOI and Electoral Acts, the high financial demand may limit access to crucial electoral information for individuals and civil society groups seeking accountability in Nigeria’s democratic process.

— Nigeria TV Info