In an effort to improve and further boost the reform process within the Telecommunications sector of the Country, the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) and the National Identification Registry (NIR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate the free registration of National Identification Cards.
Among other things, The initiative aims to enhance digital security and streamline the identification process for all citizens.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Acting Chairperson of the LTA Abdullah Kamara and the Executive Director General of the NIR, Andrew Peters both said that the collaboration is a crucial step in fostering the National Database.
Additionally, they stressed that as part of the agreement, NIR will ensure a continuous and secure registration process for all citizens saying that new identification cards, issued by the NIR, will serve as a single point of verification for various services, including banking, e-government transactions, and mobile communications, and enhance National Elections which is expected to significantly reduce the risk of fraud and enhance the overall security across the country.
Moreover, The cards will provide security on all digital platforms protecting subscribers from fraudulent use and making government services more accessible and secure for all.
“The NIR has established centers for registration in every District throughout the country and some townships” Peters Added.
Currently, there are over 4 million SIM cards in use in the country.
Mr. Peters speaking at the signing ceremony stated that the NIR has established a centralized database with a capacity to house over 7 million entries.
“Under the LTA Regulations, all SIM card owners must register their SIM cards with their respective Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) using their unique NIR-issued identification cards and failure to comply within six months will result in the deactivation of their SIM cards, a measure designed to bolster national security and reduce fraudulent activities”, he noted.
According to two institutions, The MOU signing is a significant step towards integrating advanced biometric identification systems into Liberia’s telecommunications infrastructure.
The Acting Chairman of the LTA at the same time emphasized the importance of the partnership in ensuring that the foundational database of the country can be fully equipped with accurate information about all citizens and non-citizens residing in Liberia.
“LTA cannot fully achieve digital transformation without a fully well-suited database that will help in safeguarding digital platforms and protecting subscribers from identity theft and other cybercrimes.
