The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by two weeks and introduced an online self-service platform to make registration easier for eligible Nigerians.

The commission announced the extension in a statement issued on Friday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

According to INEC, the decision followed consultations with political parties, civil society organisations, state offices and other stakeholders, as well as a review of the progress recorded so far.

The nationwide voter registration exercise, which began on August 18, 2025, was initially scheduled to conclude on July 10, 2026.

However, the commission has now extended the deadline to Friday, July 24, 2026, to enable more eligible Nigerians to register ahead of future elections, particularly the 2027 general elections.

INEC said the extension demonstrates its determination to ensure that every qualified Nigerian has adequate opportunity to be included in the national register of voters.

“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 read.

The electoral body also unveiled a new online self-service registration portal designed to simplify the registration process for first-time voters.

Through the platform, eligible Nigerians will be able to begin and complete their registration, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without first visiting an INEC office.

INEC noted that users would have access to detailed step-by-step instructions to guide them through the process.

The commission added that the system is equipped with identity verification, biometric validation and other security measures to safeguard the integrity and accuracy of the national voters’ register.

It urged Nigerians who are yet to register to take advantage of both the extension and the newly introduced online platform.

INEC reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a transparent, inclusive and technology-driven voter registration exercise that improves citizens’ participation in Nigeria’s electoral process.