The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a two-week extension of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Lagos State, giving eligible residents more time to register ahead of future elections.
The commission disclosed that the exercise, originally scheduled to end on 10 July 2026, will now continue until 26 July 2026. The extension is intended to accommodate more eligible Nigerians who are yet to register and ensure wider participation in the country’s electoral process.
In addition to the extension, INEC unveiled a new online self-service registration platform for first-time voters, marking a significant step in the commission’s efforts to modernise voter registration and improve accessibility through technology.
The digital platform, which is expected to become operational on 8 July 2026, will allow eligible Nigerians to initiate and complete their voter registration using internet-enabled devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers.
According to the commission, the initiative is designed to simplify the registration process, reduce congestion at physical registration centres, and provide greater convenience for prospective voters.
INEC explained that the online registration system has been equipped with identity verification and biometric validation to safeguard the integrity of the national voter register. The commission noted that the technology will help prevent multiple registrations and ensure that only eligible citizens are successfully enrolled.
The extension follows growing public demand for additional time to complete the registration process. In recent weeks, registration centres across Lagos have witnessed increased turnout, with many prospective voters calling on the electoral body to extend the deadline to enable more people participate in the exercise.
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital and one of the country’s most populous states, consistently records one of the largest voting populations in the country. The high volume of registrants has often placed considerable pressure on registration centres during previous voter registration exercises.
By extending the registration period and introducing a digital self-service platform, INEC hopes to improve access to voter registration while easing pressure on physical registration centres. The commission believes the innovation will particularly benefit young Nigerians and first-time voters who are more familiar with digital services and online platforms.
The electoral body reiterated that maintaining a credible and accurate voter register remains fundamental to conducting free, fair and transparent elections. It stressed that technological innovations such as the online registration platform form part of its broader strategy to strengthen electoral administration and enhance public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
INEC urged all eligible Lagos residents who are at least 18 years old and have not previously registered to take advantage of the extended registration period before the new deadline of 26 July 2026. Prospective voters were also encouraged to utilise the online self-service platform once it becomes available on 8 July 2026 to enjoy a faster and more convenient registration experience.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusive participation in elections by ensuring that every eligible Nigerian has the opportunity to register and exercise their constitutional right to vote. It also advised citizens not to wait until the closing days of the exercise but to register early to avoid last-minute challenges.
With the extension now in place and the introduction of a digital registration platform, INEC expects a significant increase in voter registration across Lagos State, further strengthening citizen participation in Nigeria’s democratic process. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
