The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by an additional two weeks, giving eligible Nigerians more time to register ahead of future elections.
The commission also announced the introduction of a self-service online registration platform aimed at making the process more accessible for first-time voters.
The extension was announced in a statement issued in Abuja by INEC's National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna.
According to the commission, the decision followed a comprehensive review of the exercise and feedback received from state offices, political parties, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders across the country.
The nationwide CVR exercise, which commenced on 18 August 2025, was originally scheduled to end on 10 July 2026.
Under the new arrangement, eligible Nigerians now have until Sunday, 26 July 2026, to complete their voter registration.
INEC explained that the extension reflects its commitment to ensuring that every eligible Nigerian has a fair and reasonable opportunity to be included in the National Register of Voters.
The commission noted that additional time became necessary after assessing participation levels and considering requests from stakeholders for a longer registration window.
In what observers describe as one of the most significant technological upgrades to Nigeria's voter registration system, INEC also unveiled a self-service online registration option for eligible first-time voters.
The new platform is expected to become operational from Wednesday, 8 July 2026, through the commission's dedicated Continuous Voter Registration portal.
According to the electoral body, the self-service system is designed to improve accessibility, convenience, and service delivery by allowing eligible citizens to begin their registration process online before completing the required verification procedures.
The initiative forms part of INEC's broader effort to deploy technology in strengthening Nigeria's electoral process.
The commission said the online platform incorporates identity verification measures, biometric validation procedures, and other integrity checks to safeguard the credibility of the National Register of Voters.
These safeguards are intended to prevent duplicate registrations and maintain confidence in the electoral database.
INEC encouraged all eligible Nigerians who have not yet registered to take advantage of both the extended deadline and the new digital registration option.
The commission emphasised that increasing voter participation remains a key objective as preparations continue for future elections across the country.
Election observers have welcomed the extension, noting that additional registration time could enable more young Nigerians and first-time voters to participate in the democratic process.
They also view the introduction of digital registration services as an important step toward modernising Nigeria's election management system.
The Continuous Voter Registration exercise allows eligible citizens who have attained voting age, those who have never registered before, individuals seeking to transfer their registration, and voters requesting updates to their personal information to access INEC's registration services.
The exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining an accurate and inclusive voter register.
With the revised deadline now in place, Nigerians who are yet to register have another opportunity to secure their place on the voters' register.
INEC maintains that the extension and the rollout of its self-service registration platform demonstrate its commitment to expanding participation, improving efficiency, and strengthening confidence in Nigeria's electoral process.