The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the devolution of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise from local government areas (LGAs) to designated Registration Areas (RAs), popularly known as electoral wards, across Lagos State.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Lagos State, Mr Ayobami Salami, disclosed this on Tuesday during a media conference on the second phase of the CVR exercise, held at the commission’s state office in Yaba.
Mr Salami said the rotation of INEC Voter Enrolment Devices (IVEDs) among the Registration Areas would commence on February 2 and run for 50 days, ending on April 10. He added that the final week of the second phase, from April 11 to April 17, would be conducted at the various LGA offices across the state.
According to the REC, the decision to decentralise the registration process is aimed at bringing voter registration closer to the grassroots, reducing congestion at registration centres and ensuring that no eligible citizen is excluded from the democratic process.
“The commission has resolved to devolve registration operations from the Local Government level to Registration Areas across the state. This shift is designed to enhance inclusivity, efficiency and transparency while deepening public trust in the electoral process,” Mr Salami said.
He noted that designated registration centres, including INEC offices and other approved locations, have been established across the Registration Areas. He added that full details of venues, dates and operational hours would be communicated through the commission’s official channels.
Mr Salami reiterated that the exercise is free of charge and open to all Nigerian citizens who are 18 years and above.
He explained that the second phase of the CVR exercise, scheduled to run from January 5 to April 17, builds on the achievements of the first phase. According to him, Lagos State recorded a total of 139,251 registrations during the first phase, comprising 126,668 new registrations and 12,283 transfer requests.
