“Not Arbitrary” — INEC Clarifies ₦1.5bn Cost Of Producing Voter Register CTCs, Says It Reflects Actual Duplication Expense

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained that the ₦1,505,901,750 fee quoted for producing Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the National Register of Voters and polling units requested by a law firm, Messrs V.C. Ottaokpukpu & Associates, strictly represents the actual cost of document duplication and transcription as provided by law.

In a statement issued on Thursday by Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi, Director of Voter Education and Publicity, the Commission clarified that the amount was computed in line with both the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2011 and the Electoral Act 2022.

“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. The sum quoted – ₦1,505,901,750 – has become a subject of media attention and public inquiry,” the statement read.

INEC noted that the cost was not arbitrarily set but was derived from legal provisions governing access to public documents.

“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 explained.

It further stated that the applicable rate was also guided by the INEC Guidelines for the Processing and Issuance of Certified True Copies (CTC) of Documents, anchored on Section 15 of the Electoral Act 2022, which prescribes a charge of ₦250 per page.

Providing a detailed cost analysis, the Commission said the National Register of Voters across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory contains 93,469,008 registered voters. With 16 voters per page, this translates to 6,018,661 pages. The additional request for the list of 176,848 polling units nationwide would require 4,946 more pages.

“The total number of pages to be printed for both requests is therefore 6,023,607, at a unit cost of ₦250 per page, resulting in the total sum of ₦1,505,901,750,” INEC stated.

The Commission dismissed claims that the quoted figure contained hidden or administrative charges, emphasizing that it only covered duplication and transcription costs.

“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,” it said.

Reaffirming its commitment to openness, INEC maintained that it would continue to operate within the law while ensuring transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public resources.

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