The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to enhance its partnership with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to remove duplicate entries from voter databases. This initiative aims to improve data verification accuracy before upcoming electoral cycles.
During a visit to INEC headquarters in Abuja, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan welcomed NIMC Director-General Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote. Prof. Amupitan highlighted the importance of the National Identity Management Commission Act of 2026, noting that closer cooperation between the two agencies will streamline voter registration and bolster trust in the electoral system.
INEC has already integrated the National Identification Number (NIN) requirement into its online Continuous Voter Registration platform. Prof. Amupitan emphasized that as technology and artificial intelligence become more integrated into governance, safeguarding data integrity remains a top priority.
Engr. Coker-Odusote explained that the NIMC Act, signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 26, 2026, transforms the agency into the primary authority for Nigeria’s digital identity and public infrastructure. This reform is intended to curb fraud, improve service access, and provide a secure framework for digital governance. Dr. Alba Nkoku, the NIMC Director of Strategy and Programme Office, added that the new legislation supports national digital sovereignty by moving beyond physical identity cards to comprehensive digital credentials.
Concluding the meeting, Prof. Amupitan praised the recent advancements at NIMC under its current leadership. He expressed confidence that the joint effort will solidify the country’s digital governance and increase public faith in future election results.
