Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has requested a payment of ₦1.5 billion from a law firm seeking access to the national voter register and polling unit data under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Legal Basis for the Request
In a letter dated October 13, 2025, signed by INEC Secretary Mrs. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, the commission approved the request based on Section 15 of the Electoral Act 2022 and the FOIA 2011.
These laws grant Nigerians the right to access public records held by government agencies. Under Sections 1(1) and (2) of the FOIA, citizens can request information without stating a specific purpose, and public institutions must provide it within seven days, unless legally exempt.
High Cost for Public Data
INEC stipulated that the law firm must pay ₦1,505,901,750 to cover the costs of producing the requested documents.
The commission instructed the applicant to deposit the amount via its official Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) portal and submit proof of payment to proceed with the request. This substantial fee has raised questions about the accessibility of public electoral data.
Importance of Voter and Polling Data
The national voter register and polling unit data are vital for addressing concerns about Nigeria’s electoral process.
These records help verify issues like multiple voter registrations, ghost voters, and uneven polling unit distributions, which have long undermined the credibility of elections in the country. Transparent access to this information is essential for ensuring trust in the democratic system.
Expansion of Polling Units
In 2021, INEC expanded voter access by adding 56,872 new polling units, increasing the total to 176,846 nationwide. Before this, Nigeria had 119,974 polling units, a figure unchanged since 1996.
Previous attempts to expand polling units faced resistance and controversy, making the 2021 effort a significant milestone. Many new units were created by converting existing voting points and settlements used to manage overcrowding in past elections.
Debate Over Access Fees
The decision to charge such a high fee for public data has sparked debate. While INEC justifies the cost as necessary for document production, critics argue that it could limit transparency and hinder efforts to scrutinize the electoral process.
The question remains: should Nigerians have to pay to access critical election data?
What are your thoughts on INEC’s fee for public records? Share your views in the comments.
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