Nigeria’s electoral body has recorded a significant rise in new voter registrations, with more than 2.6 million citizens completing the process within the first 10 weeks of its ongoing nationwide exercise highlighting strong participation ahead of future elections in Africa’s most populous democracy.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) disclosed in its latest update that a total of 2,657,784 Nigerians successfully finalised their registration under the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) programme as of March 13.

According to the commission, 1,563,169 registrants completed the process through its online pre-registration platform, while 1,094,615 others registered physically at designated centres across the country.

Regional data shows northern state Jigawa leading with 171,471 completed registrations, followed by the commercial hub Lagos with 154,565 and Kano with 136,073. In contrast, southeastern Anambra recorded the lowest figure at 21,836.

Women accounted for the majority of new registrants, with 1,508,858 entries representing 57 percent compared to 1,148,926 men, or 43 percent.

Young people dominated the exercise, as Nigerians aged between 18 and 34 made up 68.22 percent of the total, with 1,813,082 registrations. This trend underscores growing youth engagement in the country’s electoral process.

By occupation, students emerged as the largest group, numbering 640,826 (24.11 percent), followed by individuals in business, who accounted for 540,376 registrations (20.33 percent). The commission also reported that 37,687 persons living with disabilities have so far participated in the exercise.

INEC cautioned that the figures remain provisional, noting that they are subject to verification and data clean-up processes, including public claims and objections, as well as checks using the Automated Biometric Identification System.

The commission further clarified that voter registration in the Federal Capital Territory remains temporarily suspended due to the Area Council elections held on February 21, in line with provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

INEC has urged eligible Nigerians yet to register to take advantage of its online portals and physical centres, as the country continues preparations to strengthen voter participation in upcoming elections.