NIRA Somalia | |
Seal: | NIRA Full logo.jpg |
Jurisdiction: | Federal Republic of Somalia |
Employees: | 120 |
Budget: | $1.9 m USD (2023) |
Chief1 Name: | Abdiweli Abdulle Timacadde |
Chief1 Position: | Director General |
Website: | https://nira.gov.so/ |
The National Identification and Registration Authority (Somali: Hay’adda Aqoonsiga iyo Diiwaangelinta Qaranka) is a governmental agency in Somalia, established under the Identification and Registration of Act.[1]
The mandate of the agency is to develop and manage a national identification system.[2] NIRA's responsibilities include creating and maintaining a database of personal identities for citizens and legal residents.[3] The agency issues a unique identification number, known as the National Identification Number (NIN),[4] which is intended to facilitate the recognition of individuals and their access to various services.
NIRA operates through a network of data centers, local and regional enrollment offices, and collaborates with other institutions to deliver its services.[5] The organization utilizes technology, including biometric techniques and data analytics, to ensure data protection and privacy.[6] These measures aim to support inter-governmental cooperation and enable the provision of public services like voter registration and social welfare programs.[7]
The National Identification Number is also designed to streamline administrative processes, enhance security, and mitigate fraud and corruption by verifying identities in both digital and in-person transactions.[8]
NIRA focuses on confidentiality, user experience, and accessibility,[9] implementing various initiatives such as mobile registration centers and online portals for wider reach and community engagement.[10] The organization's broader goal is to establish a reliable ID ecosystem that fosters trust between the government and citizens and enhances Somalia's regional and international relationships.[11]