Monrovia – President Joseph Boakai has issued Executive Order No. 147, mandating the compulsory enrollment of both Liberian citizens and foreign residents in the National Biometric Identification System (NBIS)—a move aimed at strengthening national security and accelerating Liberia’s digital transformation.

The executive order, which takes immediate effect, requires all individuals residing in Liberia for 90 days or more to obtain a biometric ID: a national ID card for Liberian citizens and a foreigner ID card for non-citizens. These IDs will now be the primary form of identification for accessing vital services such as banking, healthcare, telecommunications, education, and immigration.

This directive is part of the government’s broader digital transformation strategy launched on May 1, 2024, designed to combat identity fraud, streamline public services, and build a digitally connected economy.

The National Identification Registry (NIR) has been designated as the lead agency for registration, ID issuance, and management of the centralized database. It will also oversee the e-verification system and identity query portal that institutions—both public and private—must now use for identity verification and background checks.

All government agencies, along with private institutions such as banks, telecom companies, and insurance providers, are required to enforce compliance. These entities must notify their staff, customers, and stakeholders about the new ID policy.

Foreign residents will need the foreigner ID to register SIM cards or open bank accounts, in accordance with existing regulations from the Liberia Telecommunications Authority in collaboration with the NIR.

The order also designates the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and the Liberia Revenue Authority as oversight bodies for compliance, with the NIR serving as the implementing authority.

To address data privacy concerns, the executive order reaffirms that all data collection and usage must comply with the National Identification Registry Act of 2011 and adhere to Liberia’s data protection and privacy laws, ensuring the secure handling of personal information.

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