The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) is a Government Agency established in 2020 to create and maintain Somalia’s National Identification System. NIRA is mandated to register citizens and legal residents and issue them with secure and verifiable credentials, including a unique identification number and a National Identity Card. It also serves as a trusted provider of identity verification and authentication services, promoting the use of the foundational ID across public and private sectors.

Through the establishment of NIRA, the Federal Government of Somalia aims to provide a reliable and efficient identification system that enables individuals to access essential services and actively participate in the nation’s socio-economic development. NIRA’s role represents a cornerstone of Somalia’s governance and digital transformation agenda, contributing directly to inclusive growth, improved service delivery, and effective administration.

Since the official launch of the Somali National ID (SNID) in September 2023, NIRA has intensified its efforts to scale registration, enhance interoperability, and integrate the National ID into practical use cases across key sectors — including education, financial services, humanitarian programs, and social protection. The initiative aims to establish a unified and digital infrastructure for identity management nationwide, addressing challenges of accessibility, inclusion, and trust in public service delivery.