The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has asked a law firm to pay ₦1.5 billion for access to the country’s National Register of Voters and a list of all polling units, describing the amount as the “cost of production” for the requested documents.

In a letter dated October 13, 2025, and signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, INEC acknowledged the request submitted under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 2011 by V-C Ottaokpukpu & Associates, a law firm based in Abuja.

The firm had sought a certified true copy of the national voter database and details of all existing polling units across Nigeria.

INEC stated that the request was granted in accordance with Section 15 of the Electoral Act, 2022, which provides for public access to certain electoral documents.

The commission directed the applicant to make the payment of ₦1,505,901,750, through the Remita online platform and to provide proof of payment before the request can be processed.

The letter reads, “I write to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 8th October, 2025 on the above subject matter.

“2. 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.

“3. You are hereby requested to pay the sum of One Billion, Five Hundred and Five Million, Nine Hundred and One Thousand, Seven Hundred and Fifty Naira only (N1,505,901,750) being the cost of production of the above.

4. Kindly pay the said amount into INEC Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) (www.remita.com) and present the proof of payment (e-receipt) in order to proceed with your request.

“5. Accept the assurances of the Commission’s regards, please.”

The Freedom of Information Act 2011 was passed by the National Assembly on 24th May 2011 and assented by President Goodluck Jonathan on 28th May 2011.

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is an Act that gives a person, group, association or organisation the right to access information from Government Agencies, Parastatals, Federal Civil Service, Private and Public sector organisations providing public services, etc.