launches online self-service for first-time voters July 8
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by two weeks and introduced an online self-service option for eligible first-time voters.
In a statement signed on Friday by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, 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 commenced on August 18, 2025, and was earlier scheduled to end on July 10, 2026.
INEC has now extended it to Friday, July 24, 2026, to give more eligible citizens the opportunity to register ahead of future elections.
“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.
In what INEC described as part of its commitment to innovation and accessibility, the commission will also roll out a self-service online registration portal for first-time voters from Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
The portal, http://cvr.inecnigeria.org, will allow eligible Nigerians to initiate and complete their registration, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without visiting an INEC office. A step-by-step guide will be provided on the portal.
According to INEC, the system has “robust identity verification, biometric validation, and backend integrity checks designed to preserve the credibility and accuracy of the National Register of Voters.”
INEC urged all eligible Nigerians yet to register to take advantage of the extended window and the new online 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 is expected to be the last major registration exercise before the 2027 general elections.
