In a statement signed by Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi, Director
of Voter Education and 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. The sum quoted – 1,505,901,750 Naira – has
become a subject of media attention and public inquiry”, she stated.
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 the
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, saying; “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”.
Reaffirming its position, the Commission added that it
remains committed to transparency, accountability and the responsible
management of public resources.
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