Somalia Seeks To Strengthen National ID System through Pakistan Partnership

GOOBJOOG NEWS | ISLAMABAD: Somalia is looking to strengthen its national identity infrastructure through expanded cooperation with Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), officials said after talks aimed at improving digital governance and public service delivery.

Somalia’s Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, Ali Yusuf Ali-Hosh, led a delegation to Islamabad for meetings with NADRA officials, focusing on the development, security and management of Somalia’s national identification system.

He was accompanied by the Director General of Somalia’s National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), Abdiwali Ali Abdulle.

The discussions reviewed progress made under existing cooperation and explored ways to deepen technical support and institutional capacity building. NADRA has played a key role in helping Somalia establish and operationalise NIRA, a cornerstone of the country’s efforts to build a unified civil registry.

The minister said strengthening the national ID system would improve access to public services, enhance administrative efficiency and support security and development planning by ensuring citizens are accurately documented.

“A reliable national identification system is essential for effective governance and service delivery,” he said, adding that continued cooperation with NADRA would help safeguard the integrity and security of the system.

The visit reflects Somalia’s broader push to modernise state institutions through international partnerships, as it advances its digital transformation agenda and lays the data foundations needed for long-term development and stability.