By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has come under sharp criticism from the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) for allegedly demanding over N1.5 billion as a condition for releasing the National Register of Voters and the list of polling units under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.
In a statement issued on October 16, 2025, MRA’s Executive Director, Mr. Edetaen Ojo, described the fee as “outrageous, prohibitive, and a deliberate attempt to deny Nigerians access to vital public information.”
Ojo stressed that the National Register of Voters and polling unit lists are essential public records required by civil society groups, political parties, election observers, and the media to effectively monitor the electoral process.
He faulted INEC’s October 13 response, signed by its Secretary, Ms. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, to a request filed by V-C Ottackpukpu & Associates, in which the commission demanded N1,505,901,750.00 for producing the documents.
Quoting Section 8(1) of the FOI Act, Ojo said fees are limited to standard duplication and transcription costs, adding that former Attorney-General Mohammed Adoke (SAN) had set duplication charges at a maximum of N10 per page. “The staggering N1.5 billion cannot be justified under this provision,” he stated.
Ojo noted that with 93.4 million registered voters and 176,846 polling units nationwide, the records are likely digitized and centrally stored, making reproduction costs negligible. He argued that INEC’s demand undermines transparency, accountability, and public trust in the electoral process.
He further referenced the 2017 African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights’ Guidelines on Access to Information and Elections in Africa, which require election management bodies to proactively disclose voter rolls during pre-election periods.
Warning that INEC’s action could set a dangerous precedent, Ojo urged the commission to withdraw the demand immediately and provide the information free of charge or in compliance with the FOI Act and implementation guidelines.
