Nigeria extends collection date for voter cards

The deadline for Nigerians to collect their voter card, which is required to cast a ballot in next month’s election, has been extended by a week to Sunday 5 February.

Known as a Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), it contains biometrical data of the voter and is used as further verification of identity on election day.

This is the second time the deadline for the collection of PVCs has been changed by the electoral commission.

The date initially set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (Inec) was Monday 12 December 2022, before being moved to Sunday 29 January 2023.

The latest extension comes as many people have been finding it difficult to get their cards from collection centres, with some being told their cards have yet to be printed or cannot be found.

Voting in presidential and parliamentary elections is due to take place on Saturday 25 February 2023.