INEC to Use NIN Verification Against Duplicate Voter Registration

INEC will partner more closely with NIMC to use National Identification Number verification during voter registration, aiming to eliminate duplicate records and strengthen the credibility of future elections.

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 voters and eliminate duplicate voter registrations 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.

Amupitan said the collaboration followed the signing of the National Identity Management Commission Act, 2026, which provides a stronger legal framework for cooperation between the two agencies.

According to him, INEC’s recently introduced online Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) platform already requires prospective voters to provide their National Identification Number for identity verification.

He explained that deeper integration with NIMC’s identity database would simplify voter registration while strengthening the credibility and integrity of the electoral process.

“The Commission sees enormous opportunities for collaboration with NIMC, particularly in voter registration, data verification and the elimination of duplicate voter records,” Amupitan said.

He noted that the partnership would enhance the accuracy of the national voter register by ensuring that each eligible voter is uniquely identified through the National Identification Number.

The INEC chairman also expressed confidence that the collaboration would improve public trust in the electoral system by reducing cases of multiple registrations and identity-related irregularities.

He said the commission remains committed to deploying technology and institutional partnerships to strengthen election management and deliver more credible electoral processes.

The visit also provided an opportunity for both agencies to discuss areas of cooperation aimed at improving identity management, data verification and the seamless exchange of relevant information in line with existing laws.

The planned integration forms part of broader efforts by INEC to modernise voter registration processes and ensure that only eligible citizens are captured in the national voter register ahead of future elections.