Somalia’s National Identity Registration Authority (NIRA) has unveiled an ambitious 5-year strategic plan to overhaul the country’s citizen identification and registration system. The plan, launched by NIRA Director-General Abdiweli Timacadde in Mogadishu, aligns with the government’s broader National Transformation Plan and focuses on three key pillars: streamlining citizen registration services, bolstering data protection measures, and enhancing the authority’s operational efficiency.
In a press conference, Timacadde underscored the significance of the strategic plan, stating, “This strategy is crucial for ensuring NIRA provides efficient services to the public. Moreover, it harmonizes with the government’s National Transformation Plan, ensuring our efforts contribute to the nation’s overall development agenda.”
One of the primary objectives outlined in the plan is to establish NIRA as a modern, rule-based institution that operates transparently and efficiently. This entails drafting comprehensive policies and regulations to govern the authority’s operations and service delivery over the next five years.
“We need a clear legal framework that outlines our mandates, processes, and the services we offer to the public,” Timacadde explained. “This strategic plan will guide us in developing the necessary regulations and operational guidelines.”
A key focus area is improving citizen registration services by leveraging technology and streamlining processes. NIRA aims to enable Somali citizens and legal residents to obtain identification documents seamlessly, regardless of their location. The authority has already implemented an online system that allows individuals to print their identification documents within 30 minutes of registration, a significant improvement over the previous lengthy process.
Ensuring robust data protection measures is another critical component of the strategic plan. Timacadde emphasized the authority’s responsibility to safeguard the personal information of registered individuals, stating, “We have a duty to protect the data of Somali citizens entrusted to us. This plan outlines measures to enhance data security and maintain the trust of the public.”
The strategic plan also addresses the need for capacity building within NIRA, including training programs for staff and the adoption of modern management practices. Timacadde highlighted the importance of fostering a skilled and motivated workforce to deliver efficient services to the public.
Over the next two weeks, legal experts, NIRA administrators, and staff will convene to finalize the details of the 5-year strategic plan, ensuring it comprehensively addresses the authority’s objectives and aligns with the nation’s transformation agenda.
As Somalia continues its efforts towards rebuilding and development, the National Identity Registration Authority’s strategic plan represents a significant step towards establishing a robust and reliable citizen identification system, which is crucial for effective governance, service delivery, and national security.
