16/09/2026
NIR Urges Legislature to Fast-Track Ratification of National ID Infrastructure Agreement
MONROVIA, Liberia — September 16, 2026: The Executive Director of the National Identification Registry (NIR), Hon. Andrew Peters, has called on the National Legislature to expedite consideration and ratification of a concession agreement aimed at modernizing Liberia’s national identification, civil registration and vital statistics infrastructure.
Peters made the appeal Wednesday, September 16, 2026, during the celebration of National Identification Day, held under the theme, “My Identity, My Shadow, Never Apart.”
Addressing government officials, members of the diplomatic and development community, private-sector representatives, lawmakers, students, teachers and members of the media, the NIR Executive Director said the celebration goes beyond the national identification card, emphasizing that identity is an essential part of every individual's life.
According to Peters, the theme was chosen to illustrate that just as a shadow follows a person wherever they go, an individual's identity remains connected to them throughout their lives.
He said the NIR's vision is to ensure that every Liberian can be reliably identified and recognized throughout their lifetime in a manner that is secure, consistent and dignified.
Peters reminded the gathering that the NIR was established through an Act of the National Legislature in 2011 with the statutory responsibility to design, establish, maintain and administer Liberia's National Biometric Identification System.
He explained that the law provides for a unique identification number to serve as the primary government-approved identity number for important national purposes, including banking and other identification requirements.
“The national biometric identity mandate is not a new responsibility being introduced today,” Peters said, noting that it is a responsibility already entrusted to the Registry under Liberian law.
He acknowledged that the NIR's efforts to expand nationwide identification services have faced challenges, particularly in transportation, connectivity, electricity, logistics and technology across Liberia's 15 counties.
Despite those challenges, he said the Registry remains committed to building a trusted national identity system that effectively serves the Liberian people.
NIR Highlights Proposed Modernization
Peters disclosed that the Government of Liberia, through the NIR, has entered into a concession agreement with OeSD International for the development of a modern National Identification, Civil Registration and Vital Statistics infrastructure under a Build, Operate and Transfer arrangement.
He stressed that the initiative should not be viewed merely as a project for producing identification cards, but as an opportunity to modernize the infrastructure required for the NIR to fully implement its statutory mandate.
The proposed infrastructure, he said, is expected to strengthen biometric and digital identity systems, authentication and verification, civil registration and vital statistics, as well as secure interoperability with authorized institutions.
Peters said the investment could expand national identification coverage, bring enrollment and verification services closer to citizens and strengthen safeguards against impersonation, identity theft, duplicate identities and other identity-related risks.
He also linked the proposed infrastructure to improved government services, national planning, financial inclusion and Liberia's broader digital transformation agenda.
Identity as Foundation for Financial Inclusion
Addressing the relationship between national identification and the financial sector, Peters said a reliable identity system is essential to the development of a stronger financial ecosystem.
“As we have emphasized in our engagement with the Central Bank of Liberia: before we can reliably assess financial behavior, obligations and risk, we must first be able to reliably establish identity,” he stated.
However, he clarified that the NIR is not a credit bureau and does not determine an individual's creditworthiness.
Instead, he said, the Registry's role is to provide a trusted identity foundation upon which the wider financial ecosystem can operate.
Peters added that a modern national identity infrastructure could also support digital government, financial technology, telecommunications and other services that require secure identity verification.
Appeal to National Legislature
With the concession agreement currently at the legislative stage, Peters acknowledged the Legislature's constitutional responsibility to scrutinize and determine the merits of the agreement.
He nevertheless appealed to lawmakers for timely consideration and, once satisfied that all requirements have been met, speedy ratification.
“This is not merely an appeal for the NIR,” Peters said. “It is an appeal for the national benefits that a modern identity infrastructure can unlock—for government, financial institutions, businesses, development partners and, most importantly, the people of Liberia.”
The NIR Executive Director further assured stakeholders that the institution remains committed to national ownership, accountability, data protection, cybersecurity and the sustainable development of institutional capacity.
He emphasized that technology must serve Liberia's national interest and that citizens' identities must be protected with the highest level of responsibility.
“Every Identity Matters”
Peters concluded by urging Liberians to look beyond the identification card and recognize national identity as a foundation for security, inclusion, improved government services and national development.
He said the proposed investment presents an opportunity to strengthen the infrastructure necessary to make that vision a reality.
“With the leadership of His Excellency the President, the support of the National Legislature, the partnership of our stakeholders and the confidence of the Liberian people, we can build a stronger, more secure and digitally connected Liberia,” Peters said.
“Every Liberian counts. Every identity matters. And no one should be left behind.”
He then welcomed citizens and stakeholders to the 2026 National Identification Day celebration, reiterating the theme: “My Identity. My Shadow. Never Apart.”
