INEC, NIMC Partnership Paves Way for Citizenship-Based Voter Register

By Iyojo Ameh

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says Nigeria may soon adopt a citizenship-based voter register, drawing directly from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by NIMC Director-General, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote. He noted that both agencies hold the country’s largest biometric databases but with distinct mandates—INEC for elections and NIMC for citizenship identity.

“When the time comes, the national register of voters may simply draw from the citizenship register as is the case in many jurisdictions around the world,” Yakubu said. He added that the move could allow citizens to vote from any location nationwide, instead of being restricted to where they registered.

Yakubu revealed that the collaboration had already begun yielding results. During the July 8–20 Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Anambra State, NIMC deployed officials to INEC centres to enroll citizens for the National Identification Number (NIN). Following its success, the joint exercise will be expanded across the country.

The initiative will enable Nigerians to register as voters and obtain their NIN simultaneously at designated centres. NIMC is expected to announce details of the nationwide rollout.

INEC said the partnership reflects its commitment to strengthening the electoral process through national identity integration, with Yakubu commending NIMC’s support and pledging continued synergy.