President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has signed Executive Order No. 147, making it compulsory for all Liberian citizens and foreign residents to enroll in the National Biometric Identification System (NBIS). The move, which takes effect immediately, aims to streamline identification processes, reduce fraud, and enhance access to essential services across the country.
Key Provisions of the Executive Order
- Mandatory Enrollment for All
- Liberian citizens must register with the National Identification Registry (NIR) and obtain a National ID Card.
- Foreign residents staying in Liberia for 90 days or more must enroll and secure a Foreigner ID Card, which will serve as proof of legal residency.
- Wide-Ranging Use of the ID
The biometric ID will be the primary document for:
- Accessing government services (healthcare, education, tax filings, land transactions).
- Registering SIM cards, opening bank accounts, and obtaining professional licenses.
- Interacting with private sector entities, including mobile network operators (MNOs), banks, and insurance companies.
- Enhanced Security and Efficiency
- All public and private institutions must verify identities using the NIR database to prevent fraud.
- The system will help eliminate duplicate identities, illegal migration, and impersonation, issues that have long plagued Liberia’s governance systems.
- Data Protection Measures
- The NIR must comply with Liberia’s Data Protection and Privacy Laws (as outlined in the NIR Act of 2011).
- Biometric data (fingerprints, facial recognition) will be collected directly from individuals to ensure accuracy and security.
The Executive Order builds on Liberia’s Digital Transformation Initiative, launched in May 2024, which seeks to modernize government services and boost the digital economy.
- For Citizens: A single, verifiable ID will simplify access to healthcare, education, and financial services.
- For Businesses: Banks, telecom companies, and employers can now conduct real-time identity checks, reducing fraud risks.
- For Government: A centralized database will improve revenue collection, social services delivery, and national security.
Compliance and Enforcement
- Government agencies, ministries, and private institutions must issue internal policies requiring the ID for service access.
- The NIR, Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), and Ministry of Finance will oversee compliance.
- No grace period was specified, meaning enforcement could begin immediately.
Public Reaction and Next Steps
While the government hails this as a major step toward transparency, some citizens may raise concerns over:
- Privacy: How securely will biometric data be stored?
- Accessibility: Will rural populations face enrollment challenges?
- Costs: Will there be fees for obtaining the ID?
Authorities are expected to release detailed guidelines on enrollment procedures soon.
President Boakai’s order marks a turning point in Liberia’s push for a digitally integrated society. If implemented effectively, it could curb fraud, improve service delivery, and bring Liberia in line with global digital identity standards.
