The Independent National Electoral Commission has extended the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration exercise by two weeks and announced the introduction of an online self-service registration option for eligible first-time voters.
INEC said the decision followed a review of the ongoing exercise and feedback from state offices, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
The nationwide CVR, which commenced on August 18, 2025, was earlier scheduled to end on July 10, 2026.
However, in a statement issued on Friday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the commission said the exercise would now continue until Friday, July 24, 2026.
According to INEC, the extension is aimed at giving more eligible Nigerians the opportunity to register ahead of future elections, including the 2027 general election.
“The extension underscores the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that every eligible Nigerian has a fair and reasonable opportunity to be included in the Register of Voters,” the statement said.
INEC also announced that, from Wednesday, July 8, 2026, eligible first-time voters would be able to use a self-service online registration portal to initiate and complete their registration.
The commission said the portal, cvr.inecnigeria.org, would allow eligible Nigerians to register, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without visiting an INEC office.
It added that a step-by-step guide would be provided on the portal to assist applicants through the process.
INEC said the new system was part of its commitment to innovation, accessibility and the use of technology to improve citizens’ experience in the electoral process.
According to the commission, the online registration system is equipped with robust identity verification, biometric validation and backend integrity checks designed to protect the credibility and accuracy of the National Register of Voters.
INEC urged all eligible Nigerians who have yet to register to take advantage of the extended window and the new online self-service option.
“The Commission remains committed to a credible, inclusive and accessible voter registration process, and to advancing the use of technology to improve citizens’ experience in the electoral process,” Haruna stated.
The CVR exercise is expected to be the last major nationwide voter registration exercise before the 2027 general election.
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