Nigeria's INEC, NIMC to collaborate on eliminating duplicate voter records

Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to deepen its collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to eliminate duplicate voter records and bolster data verification for future elections. INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan announced the commission's commitment following the signing of the National Identity Management Commission Act, 2026. He described the act as a significant step toward a more secure and transparent electoral system, highlighting opportunities for cooperation in voter registration and data verification.

Prof. Amupitan noted that INEC's new online Continuous Voter Registration platform already mandates the use of National Identification Number (NIN) for identity verification. He believes closer integration between the two agencies will simplify voter registration and enhance the electoral process's credibility. "As we move from the era of technology into the era of artificial intelligence, it is imperative that we work together to establish the necessary safeguards and protocols to ensure the integrity, security and credibility of our data systems," he stated.

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As we move from the era of technology into the era of artificial intelligence, it is imperative that we work together to establish the necessary safeguards and protocols to ensure the integrity, security and credibility of our data systems.

Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Director-General of NIMC, highlighted that the new NIMC Act, signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, transforms the commission into the nation's foundational digital identity authority. This elevates NIMC's role beyond managing identity databases to overseeing Nigeria's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Root Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). These systems provide a digital trust framework essential for secure transactions and governance.

According to Engr. Coker-Odusote, these reforms will boost Nigeria's digital economy, reduce fraud, streamline access to services, and improve electoral integrity through enhanced identity verification. "NIMC is ready to support INEC in delivering free, fair and transparent elections because identity remains the foundation of effective governance and credible electoral processes," she affirmed. Dr. Alba Nkoku, NIMC's Director of Strategy and Programme Office, further explained that the Act repositions NIMC as Nigeria's national digital trust anchor, establishing a legal framework for digital public infrastructure and promoting secure digital transactions.

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NIMC is ready to support INEC in delivering free, fair and transparent elections because identity remains the foundation of effective governance and credible electoral processes.