NIMC, INEC Deepen Partnership for Joint Voter and National ID Registration

In a move set to transform Nigeria’s identity and electoral system, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have agreed to integrate their registration processes, enabling Nigerians to register for both their National Identification Number (NIN) and voter cards at the same time.

The partnership was sealed during a visit by the NIMC Director-General, Engr. Dr. Abisola Kukar, to INEC headquarters in Abuja, where she was received by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, alongside national commissioners and senior officials of the commission.

Prof. Yakubu described the collaboration as a historic step, highlighting that both agencies already manage Nigeria’s largest biometric databases. He noted that the NIMC’s register could eventually serve as the “single source of truth for citizenship identification”, from which the national voter roll would be drawn.

“When the time comes, the National Register of Voters may simply draw from the citizenship register as is the case in many countries around the world,” Yakubu explained. “This may also allow Nigerians to vote in future elections from any location, rather than being tied to where they originally registered.”

As part of the immediate rollout, NIMC officials will be deployed to select INEC voter registration centres across the country. The initiative builds on a successful pilot in Anambra State in July 2022, where citizens were able to register simultaneously for their voter card and NIN.

Yakubu added that details of the locations and modalities for the joint exercise will soon be announced, ensuring Nigerians who have not yet obtained their NIN can conveniently do so during the voter registration process.

The INEC boss praised the NIMC leadership for the renewed synergy, stressing that the move reflects INEC’s commitment to collaborate with key national institutions to enhance the credibility and inclusiveness of Nigeria’s elections.

The meeting ended with an exchange of commemorative plaques and INEC publications, symbolising a stronger bond between the two agencies tasked with safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic and civic identity.

With this collaboration, Nigerians can look forward to a more seamless registration process that not only strengthens voter participation but also enhances national identity management.