By Paul James
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the 2025 Nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) will commence this August, giving millions of Nigerians especially first-time voters a renewed opportunity to participate in shaping the country’s future.
Online pre-registration begins on August 18, 2025, via the official INEC portal: https://cvr.inecnigeria.org. In-person registration will follow from August 25, 2025, at 811 centres spread across the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Registration will run Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
To make the process easier, INEC will launch an online CVR Live Map and Locator on August 17, 2025 one day before the exercise begins enabling citizens to find their nearest registration centres at https://cvr.inecnigeria.org/locator.
More Than a Routine Exercise
The CVR is not merely a bureaucratic process; it is a critical step towards consolidating Nigeria’s democracy. For citizens who have recently turned 18 and others who have never registered, this is a defining moment to step forward and take ownership of their civic responsibility.
Despite a population exceeding 200 million and more than 93 million registered voters, turnout in the 2023 presidential election was only 27% one of the lowest in the nation’s history. This reflects a troubling mix of voter apathy, disillusionment, and disenfranchisement. Choosing not to participate only strengthens the status quo many Nigerians seek to change.
The Power of Registration
Registering to vote is the most basic and powerful expression of civic duty. In a nation grappling with insecurity, unemployment, inflation, poor infrastructure, and corruption, the ballot remains a vital tool for demanding better governance.
For Nigeria’s youth who make up over 60% of the population this is more than a rite of passage. It is an opportunity to bring fresh energy, ideas, and priorities into the political system. If even a fraction of this demographic registers and votes purposefully, the political landscape could shift significantly.
Dispelling the Doubts
Scepticism about the electoral process is common, but disengagement guarantees no change. In recent years, electoral reforms and technology including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), the INEC Election Results Viewing (IReV) platform, and online verification tools have enhanced transparency and credibility.
A Call to All Eligible Nigerians
If you have not registered, recently turned 18, lost or damaged your voter card, or need to update your details or transfer your polling unit, now is the time to act. Demand efficient and fair registration at designated centres.
Civic participation starts with registration, but it must continue through active engagement: stay informed, understand the issues, question candidates, and, when election day comes, vote.
Mobilising for Democracy
This is not just a call for individuals political parties, civil society organisations, and agencies like the National Orientation Agency (NOA) must intensify voter mobilisation. Establish voter support hubs, guide citizens through online pre-registration, and ensure they complete in-person enrolment. Security agencies must safeguard INEC personnel and facilities to encourage greater turnout.
Nigeria’s democracy is only as strong as the number of citizens who engage with it. Let this CVR drive become a movement a turning point when Nigerians, especially the youth, decide not to sit back but to stand up for the future they want.
Register. Engage. Vote. Your voice matters.
Paul James is a seasoned political affairs analyst advocating for electoral integrity, civic engagement, and inclusive democratic practices.
