House Scrutinizes US$ 52M National ID Concession

By Fiona Benson Kollie

Members of the joint committee of the House of Representatives reviewing the proposed US$52 million national Identification System concession has again scheduled another hearing for today, Wednesday, November 11.

The decision followed last Wednesday’s (November 4) hearing, during which lawmakers raised additional concerns, and requested further documentation from the institutions involved.

The committee wants the National Investment Commission (NIC), the concessionaire, and other relevant institutions to provide outstanding documents, and clarifications before (the next) today’s hearing.

The lawmakers specifically requested the concession’s evaluation report, and detailed explanations of provisions allowing the government to terminate the agreement for convenience.

Members of the committee also called for the participation of the concessionaire’s Chief Executive Officer, and a technical presentation addressing concerns raised during the previous hearing.

The committee further requested the appearance of the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC), and the Ministry of Finance alongside other relevant government institutions.

The Ministry of Justice, and National Security Agency, were also identified as important participants in the committee’s continued examination of the proposed agreement.

The lawmakers emphasized the need for the institutions to participate and provide a comprehensive understanding of the concession, and its implications.

The committee also wants the concessionaire to present its previous project experience, including countries where it implemented similar systems, and evidence demonstrating value for money.

During the hearing, the Chairman of the National Investment Commission, Morley P. Kamara, presented the government’s rationale for selecting OeSD International GMBH.

Kamara said, the proposed identification system will strengthen national security, support financial transactions, and improve government institutions’ ability to verify individuals.

He explained how the project followed consultations that involved the National Elections Commission, and representatives of the security sector.

Kamara defended OeSD’s selection. He cited it experience in identification technology, security printing, and the protection of personal information.

He assured the lawmakers that citizens’ information will remain within Liberia, and will not be transferred outside the country under the proposed arrangement.

The NIC Chairman described the agreement as a ten-year build-operate-transfer arrangement through which technology, and technical expertise will eventually transfer to Liberia.

Kamara said, the company’s technological capacity, and proposed security features were among the considerations behind its selection for the project.

The Deputy Executive Director of the National Identification Registry, Sylvester T. Nyumah, followed with a presentation that explained the Registry’s mandate, and the system’s technical functions.

Nyumah emphasized how the project extends beyond issuing identification cards, and involves establishing a centralized database for uniquely identifying citizens and residents.

He also explained how the system will allow government institutions to verify individuals through an application programming interface, commonly known as an API.

Nyumah: “The platform will support service delivery in revenue collection, healthcare, immigration, and other public services.

He said, the system will facilitate identity verification without taking over the statutory responsibilities of existing government institutions.