Monrovia, Liberia – The Executive Director of the National Identification Registry (NIR), Andrew Peters, has announced an ambitious Five-Year Strategic Plan (2026–2030) aimed at guaranteeing that every Liberian and legal resident is recognized through a secure, trusted, and inclusive national identification system, stating that identity is the doorway to rights, services, and economic participation. He described this as a crucial step toward building a digitally enabled and accountable state.
Presenting the plan’s unveiling on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, Peters stated that the National Identification Registry is essential to Liberia’s development goals, pointing out that without a trustworthy identification, inclusion is insufficient and national development is unequal.
He stated that the new approach is in line with the Government of Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, specifically its emphasis on digital transformation, financial inclusion, and enhanced public sector accountability, highlighting the necessity of a contemporary identification system for the efficient provision of social protection, healthcare, education, elections, financial services, and national planning.
Peters was open about ongoing difficulties even as he acknowledged achievements since the NIR was created under the 2011 Act of the Legislature, such as biometric enrollment, the issuing of National Identification Numbers (NINs), and expanding institutional relationships. “These include low national coverage, weak infrastructure, institutional capacity gaps, evolving data protection demands and fragile public trust,” he added.
Director Peters explained that the Five-Year Strategic Plan is based on six strategic pillars to address these problems: universal coverage, enhanced institutional capacity and governance, modernization of digital IDs, infrastructure development, enhanced legal and data protection frameworks, and financial sustainability through partnerships.
He emphasized that the strategy centers identity management around citizens and their rights, with a particular emphasis on reaching underprivileged and rural communities, safeguarding personal information, and regaining public trust via openness and superior service.
In order to improve inclusivity, security, and trust, the Executive Director of NIR stated that innovation, such as digital IDs, mobile credentials, and interoperable systems, will be properly pursued. To guarantee the plan’s success, Peters urged persistent political will, sufficient public funding, and tight cooperation with ministries, agencies, the commercial sector, civil society, and development partners.
“Our commitment is clear. We will implement this Strategic Plan with integrity, professionalism and accountability, ensuring that no one is left behind as Liberia builds the foundations of its digital future,” he said.
Reported by: Prince Saah
