Oluwafunbi Bello 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended Nigeria’s Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by two weeks and unveiled a new online self-service registration portal, giving millions of eligible Nigerians additional time and a fully digital option to register ahead of future elections.
The commission announced on Friday that the voter registration exercise, originally scheduled to end on 10 July, will now close on 24 July 2026 following widespread appeals from political parties, civil society organisations and electoral stakeholders.
The decision was disclosed in a statement by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
According to the commission, the extension is intended to ensure that more eligible Nigerians are captured in the National Register of Voters before upcoming electoral activities.
The Continuous Voter Registration exercise began nationwide on 18 August 2025.
INEC also announces that it will introduce a self-service online voter registration platform on 8 July 2026, allowing first-time voters to complete the registration process using personal digital devices.
Haruna says the new system enables applicants to complete their registration, including biometric capture, through the dedicated CVR portal without first visiting an INEC office.
He explains that the platform incorporates identity verification, biometric validation and other security safeguards designed to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s voter register.
The commission says the digital innovation forms part of broader efforts to modernise electoral services and improve accessibility for eligible citizens.
INEC encourages Nigerians who have not yet registered to take advantage of both the registration extension and the online platform.
About the Author
Oluwatobi Adu 