INEC’s hefty N1.5bn fee for FOI National Voters’ Register sparks outrage
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has hit a law firm, V-C Ottaokpuku & Associates, with a ₦1.5 billion processing fee for a certified true copy of Nigeria’s National Register of Voters and polling unit details, sparking widespread criticism and accusations of opacity.
The request, made under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2011, was approved by INEC citing Section 15 of the Electoral Act 2022. However, the staggering fee has raised eyebrows, with many Nigerians questioning the commission’s commitment to transparency.
However, according to a letter dated October 13, 2025, and signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, INEC acknowledged receipt of the firm’s earlier correspondence dated October 8, 2025, seeking access to the documents.
The Commission said the request was granted pursuant to Section 15 of the Electoral Act, 2022, which allows access to electoral information.
INEC directed the law firm to pay a processing fee of N1,505,901,750 (One Billion, Five Hundred and Five Million, Nine Hundred and One Thousand, Seven Hundred and Fifty Naira) to cover the cost of producing the requested materials.
The electoral body further advised that the payment be made through its official Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) platform, with proof of payment required before the processing of the request could commence.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and compliance with the Freedom of Information Act, assuring the applicant of its cooperation in providing access to electoral data within the limits of the law.
Transparency concerns are growing as critics argue the fee undermines the FOIA’s purpose, which is to promote openness in governance.
“This is daylight robbery,” said a social commentator. “INEC is supposed to provide information, not profit from it.” The FOIA implications are clear: the hefty fee may limit access to public information, contradicting the Act’s intent.
The law firm, led by Vincent Ottaokpukpu, has described the fee as “legally wrong” and is considering further action. Legal action against the fee is likely, with the firm weighing its options. Public outrage is growing, with Nigerians reacting strongly to the processing fee.
