Somalia Moves to Strengthen National ID System Through UNDP Cooperation

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s national identification system was at the centre of talks between the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as the two sides explored ways to strengthen the country’s identity infrastructure and institutional capacity.

UNDP Somalia Resident Representative Christophoros Politis met NIRA Director General Abdiwali Ali Abdulle (Timacadde) and Deputy Director General Abdirahman Said Ahmed in Mogadishu, with discussions focusing on NIRA’s progress in developing the national identification system and areas for closer cooperation.

The talks also covered knowledge exchange and peer learning, which the two sides said could help strengthen institutional capacity and support the development of Somalia’s identification infrastructure.

A functioning national identification system is expected to play a wider role in improving access to public services, strengthening government systems and providing citizens with reliable proof of identity.

The engagement comes as NIRA continues to develop Somalia’s national identification framework, with international partners supporting broader efforts to strengthen governance and public institutions.

The discussions form part of UNDP’swider engagement with Somali institutions on development and institution-building priorities as Politis begins his assignment as the agency’s new Resident Representative in Somalia.