By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU – Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Monday officially opened the second annual conference of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), emphasizing the government’s efforts to improve service delivery through a modernized national ID system.
The two-day event, held in Mogadishu, brought together senior federal officials, representatives from federal member states, international partners, and other key stakeholders. Officials said the conference is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Somalia’s national identification infrastructure and ensure efficient, accessible public services.
During his keynote address, NIRA Director General Abdiwali Timacadde highlighted the authority’s achievements since its establishment, noting that over one million Somalis have now been registered. He said the agency plans to register an additional 15 million citizens over the next three years as part of an ambitious nationwide expansion drive.
“This conference represents a critical step in building the fundamental systems necessary for the effective use of national IDs,” Timacadde said. “Our goal is to ensure that every Somali can access public services efficiently and securely.”
The conference features a series of panel discussions, research presentations, and technical workshops focused on improving both the administrative and technical frameworks of the national ID system. Topics include data management, secure identification methods, interoperability with other government services, and strategies to reach remote and underserved communities.
This year’s event carries the theme: “Strengthening the Fundamental Infrastructure for National ID Utilization.” Officials say the theme reflects the government’s broader commitment to leveraging digital and administrative reforms to enhance public service delivery and governance.
Prime Minister Barre used the opening session to underline the government’s achievements in providing free, round-the-clock services to citizens through NIRA. “A robust national identification system is not just about security; it is about ensuring that all Somalis can access healthcare, education, financial services, and other essential services,” he said.
International partners attending the conference praised Somalia’s progress and pledged continued technical and financial support to ensure the national ID system reaches full operational capacity across the country.
