The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by an additional two weeks and unveiled an online self-service registration platform for first-time voters as part of efforts to expand access to the electoral process. The Commission announced the development in a statement signed by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mohammed Kudu Haruna, on Friday. According to INEC, the decision followed a review of the ongoing registration exercise and consultations with its state offices, political parties, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders. The Commission said the nationwide CVR exercise, which began on August 18, 2025, and was originally scheduled to end on July 10, 2026, will now close on Sunday, July 26, 2026. It explained that the extension is intended to give more eligible Nigerians who are yet to register the opportunity to be captured in the National Register of Voters ahead of future elections. In a major technological upgrade, INEC also announced that it will introduce a self-service online registration platform for eligible first-time voters from Wednesday, July 8, 2026. The Commission said the platform, which will be accessible through its dedicated CVR portal, will enable applicants to complete their voter registration process, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without the need to visit an INEC office. INEC noted that the new system is built with multiple security features, including identity verification, biometric validation, and backend integrity checks, to safeguard the credibility and accuracy of the National Register of Voters. The electoral body urged all eligible Nigerians who have yet to register to take advantage of the extended registration period and embrace the new technology-driven registration option. Reaffirming its commitment to credible, inclusive, and transparent elections, INEC said it would continue to deploy innovative technologies aimed at making voter registration more accessible and improving citizens’ participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.