The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to deploy the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database to eliminate duplicate voter registrations and strengthen the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.

The move follows the enactment of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026, which empowers closer collaboration between both agencies on identity verification and digital identity management.

Speaking in Abuja during a meeting with NIMC Director-General, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said the commission would leverage NIMC’s database of more than 136 million National Identification Numbers (NINs) to continuously audit and cleanse the national voters’ register.

He explained that the initiative is aimed at tackling duplicate registrations, voter impersonation and identity theft, while also improving the transparency and integrity of elections across the country.

Amupitan added that the partnership would simplify the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) process by allowing eligible Nigerians to use their National Identification Number for seamless identity verification.

He noted that INEC has already integrated NIN into its online voter registration system and plans to expand technical collaboration with NIMC in areas such as cybersecurity, digital identity management and artificial intelligence.

Earlier, Coker-Odusote said the newly signed NIMC Act 2026 has transformed the commission into Nigeria’s foundational digital identity authority. She explained that the law recognises the National Identification Number as the country’s primary identity credential and designates NIMC as the custodian of Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Root Certification Authority for Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).

The renewed partnership between INEC and NIMC is expected to improve the accuracy of the voters’ register and enhance public confidence in future elections. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.