The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to strengthen its partnership with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) by using the National Identification Number (NIN) to verify voter information and eliminate cases of duplicate voter registration ahead of future elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Wednesday while receiving the Director-General of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, and members of her management team during a courtesy visit to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to Amupitan, the collaboration is part of efforts to improve the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and ensure that only eligible citizens are registered to vote. He explained that the development follows the signing of the National Identity Management Commission Act, 2026, which is expected to strengthen the country’s identity management system and promote better data sharing among government agencies.
The INEC chairman noted that the commission’s recently introduced online Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) platform already requires prospective voters to provide their NIN as part of the registration process. He said the use of the NIN allows the commission to verify the identity of applicants and detect attempts at multiple registrations.
Amupitan stated that a deeper integration between INEC and NIMC would simplify voter registration, improve the accuracy of voter data and help build public confidence in the electoral system. He added that the collaboration would also support efforts to maintain a clean and credible voter register across the country.
“The Commission sees enormous opportunities for collaboration with NIMC, particularly in voter registration, data verification and the elimination of duplicate voter records,” he said.
He further explained that accurate voter records are essential for free, fair and credible elections, stressing that technology and reliable identity verification systems will play a major role in strengthening democratic processes in Nigeria.
The partnership is also expected to improve data management and reduce cases of electoral fraud linked to multiple voter registrations. Observers believe that the closer relationship between the two agencies could help address long-standing concerns about the credibility of the voter register and enhance transparency in future elections.
With preparations already underway for upcoming electoral activities, INEC said it remains committed to adopting innovative measures that will make voter registration more efficient while ensuring that every eligible Nigerian has the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
