Africa-Press – Liberia. Following two months of suspension of the National Identification Card, the Executive Director of the National Identification Registry (NIR) has informed the public that the process will again, soon kick off.
Mr. Andrew Peters said upon resumption, the process will be conducted across 500 different centers across the country to enhance easy and fast processing of clients.
Speaking Tuesday, September 16, at an occasion marking the celebration of International Identification Day and National Identification Day, the NIR boss stated that the goal is to ensure that all Liberians and foreign nationals within the territorial confines of Liberia are captured.
This, Mr. Peter told the gathering held at the Paynesville City Hall, is in fulfilment of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s vision – aiming to capture the data of all citizens and foreigners living in the country.
It can be recalled that national ID card issuance was suspended in June as a result of broken equipment, long queues, and reports of bribery at registration centers. That also led the government to also suspend the mandatory use of the ID for banking and other services, allowing the acceptance of alternative forms of identification. That decision came on the heel of mounting calls for reforms to address the chaotic rollout and ensure free, accessible, and efficient ID issuance.
Accordingly, Mr. Peter vowed that what transpired during the first process will not happen again as everything would be in tight and ready upon resumption.
‘With the help of the government, NEC presented 500 biometric kits that we are using. Assured that what transpired during the first process will not happen again. This system will provide opportunity for temporary and long-term job in line with the ARREST Agenda,’ said Mr. Peters.
‘Within the next 12 to 24 months, we will be able to enroll all Liberians and foreign nationals within the borders of Liberia. This is a long process we have started. We intend to work with all the registries in the world. This is the right way to stop cybercrimes. This is the right way to stop all sorts of theft,’ he asserted with assurance of Liberia’s cooperation to the international process.
Underscoring the significance of the national identification initiative, Mr. Peters disclosed that the process aims to enhance efficient public service delivery, noting that by this, it will create a centralized database of citizens and residents, streamlining access to public services such as healthcare, education, and social welfare.
Also, He explain that it will facilitate financial services by providing a reliable means of identification. Citizens can open bank accounts, access credit, and participate in formal financial systems, contributing to economic growth.
‘It will also enhance improved electoral processes: Accurate identification ensures fair and transparent elections. The NBIS helps prevent voter fraud and ensures that eligible citizens can exercise their right to vote,’ he furthered.
The 2025 National ID was held under the theme; ‘My identity, my umbrella.’
The guest speaker at the occasion, Mr. Clarence Massaquoi, Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority or LTA, stressed the imperative need for Liberians and foreign nationals to seize the opportunity to enroll for the national process as digital world is posing its own challenges including widespread of cybercrimes.
He said the LTA, as the regulator of the ICT sector, sees the discussion of identification of persons as an important subject.
‘But why the world makes the gain of doing things faster, quicker and with greater ease, we also have bad actors; criminals willing to take advantage of the same ICT to deprive people of their just earnings; disrupt their lives and take their belongings for themselves,’ Massaquoi stated.
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