The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by two weeks, giving eligible Nigerians more time to register ahead of future elections.
The Commission also announced the introduction of a self-service registration option for eligible first-time voters as part of efforts to improve accessibility, innovation and service delivery in the voter registration process.
INEC disclosed the developments in a press statement issued on Friday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
According to the Commission, the nationwide CVR exercise, which commenced on August 18, 2025, was originally scheduled to end on July 10, 2026. However, following a review of the exercise and feedback from its state offices, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders, the registration has now been extended until Friday, July 24, 2026.
INEC said the extension was approved to provide additional opportunity for eligible Nigerians who are yet to register to be captured in the National Register of Voters ahead of future electoral activities.
The Commission further announced that the self-service registration option will become available from Wednesday, July 8, 2026, through its dedicated CVR portal, cvr.inecnigeria.org, where eligible first-time voters can begin the registration process by following the step-by-step guide provided.
According to INEC, the self-service platform will enable eligible citizens to initiate and complete their voter registration, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without physically visiting any of the Commission’s offices.
It added that the system is equipped with identity verification, biometric validation and backend integrity checks to safeguard the integrity and credibility of the National Register of Voters.
The Commission urged all eligible Nigerians who are yet to register to take advantage of the extended registration period and the newly introduced self-service option.
It reaffirmed its commitment to providing a credible, inclusive and accessible voter registration process while advancing the use of technology to improve citizens’ participation in Nigeria’s electoral process.
