Liberia on Tuesday September 16, joined the global community in celebrating World Identification Day 2025, with the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) and the National Identification Registry (NIR) reaffirming their commitment to strengthen the country’s digital identification system.
The program brought together government officials, regulators, and stakeholders in the ICT sector. LTA Chairman Hon. Clarence Kortu Massaquoi said the day was significant because Liberia’s future depends on securing digital identities in an increasingly connected world. “In today’s world, you can remain in one part of the world and conduct transactions in another,” the Chairman told the gathering.
“Our lives are powered by information communication technology, and that is why our world is often referred to as the digital world.” The Chairman of the LTA further stressed that identification is central to securing Liberia’s digital space, noting that criminals often exploit information communication technology (ICT) to commit fraud. He emphasized that proper identification of phone and internet users is key to curtailing such activities.
The event highlighted the importance of reliable identification in an era where technology allows people to transact across borders without being physically present. LTA officials noted that while digital tools make life easier, they also create new risks of fraud, identity theft, and cybercrime. Liberia has been working to integrate national identification systems since the enactment of the National Identification Registry Act in 2011. In 2013, the LTA launched SIM card registration regulations, which were later amended in 2020 to require all subscribers to use government-issued IDs verifiable through the NIR platform.
In 2024, the LTA and NIR signed a Memorandum of Understanding to coordinate efforts and ensure stronger enforcement. Recent measures include a directive from the Central Bank of Liberia requiring all financial institutions to accept only NIR-issued ID cards for transactions. Officials believe this will not only reduce fraud but also improve public trust in the financial system.
The LTA Chairman emphasized that integrating databases across key government institutions would strengthen national security, lower the cost of repeated voter registration, and support President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s digital transformation agenda. “As we celebrate World Identification Day 2025, we call on all citizens and residents to join this national effort,” the Chairman urged. “With proper identification, our economy will grow stronger, our democracy will be safer, and our digital space will be secure.” He concluded
