President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has issued Executive Order No. 147, mandating the enrollment of all citizens and foreign residents into the National Biometric Identification System (NBIS) and the mandatory use of the National Identification Card as the primary credential for accessing public and private services across the country.
The Executive Order, demonstrates the President’s commitment to strengthening governance, eliminating fraud, improving service delivery, and enhancing national security through digital transformation.
“This directive is a major step toward securing our national identity system and building a strong digital economy,” said President Boakai. “A credible and secure identification system is vital for inclusive development and equitable access to services for all Liberians.” He assured.
Key Provisions of Executive Order No. 147 Include:
- Mandatory Enrollment:
All Liberian citizens and residents must enroll in the NBIS and obtain a biometric National ID card.
Foreign residents and visitors staying in Liberia for more than 90 days are required to obtain a Foreigner ID Card.
- Access to Services:
The National ID will be required to access essential services including education, banking, telecommunications, healthcare, and government benefits.
- Use Across Public and Private Sectors:
The ID card and NBIS will serve as the primary identity verification tool for all government ministries, agencies, commissions, and eligible private sector institutions, including mobile network operators and banks.
- Governance and Compliance:
The National Identification Registry (NIR) will manage enrollment, issuance, identity verification, and coordination with government and private sector entities. All ministries and agencies must issue sector circulars enforcing compliance.
- Data Protection: The collection and use of biometric data shall adhere strictly to the National Identification Registry Act of 2011 and all applicable Liberian data protection and privacy laws.
This Executive Order aligns with the Government of Liberia’s Digital Transformation Initiative launched on May 1, 2024, aimed at modernizing systems, fostering interoperability across institutions, and laying the foundation for a robust digital economy.
The order takes immediate effect and remains binding until amended or repealed.
Mines Ministry, LRA Lead Gov’t. Compliance