National Identification Registry to Face House of Representatives Query over Delays in the Issuance of National ID Card

Monrovia, Liberia: The House of Representatives has summoned the leadership of the National Identification Registry (NIR) to appear before plenary on Thursday, June 19, 2025, to account for the persistent delays in the issuance of the National Identification Cards to citizens nationwide.

This legislative oversight action comes in response to a formal communication submitted by Bong County Electoral District #6 Representative Moima Dabah Briggs-Mensah.

Representative Briggs-Mensah raised serious concerns regarding the slow pace of ID card issuance, even after applicants have completed the full registration process—including biometric photo capture and fee payment.

The Bong County lawmaker highlighted the negative impacts of these delays, noting that thousands of Liberians are being denied access to conduct essential financial services.

This includes civil servants, contractors, rural residents, and vulnerable populations—many of whom rely on government-issued checks that now require a valid National ID under Executive Order No. 126.

In her communication to plenary, the Salala District Representative also challenged the limited recognition of the Liberian passport for banking and government transactions, describing the policy as discriminatory, which unfairly sidelines a globally recognized identity document.

“The continued delay in ID card issuance is not just an administrative lapse—it is a national concern with economic and social consequences,” Representative Briggs-Mensah emphasized.

She called on the House of Representatives to demand full disclosure from the NIR regarding the root causes of the bottleneck, including any technical, logistical, or financial barriers, and to require a clear action plan for resolving the issue.

In swift response to Representative Briggs-Mensah, the House’s plenary has instructed the NIR to come prepared with detailed answers and practical recommendations for improving service delivery.

Members of the Lower House are expected to explore ways on how the Legislature can support the agency in fulfilling its mandate more effectively.

In addition, Representative Briggs-Mensah recommended that the government formally recognize the Liberian passport as an alternative form of identification for public and banking transactions until the national ID card processing is stabilized.

The NIR is expected to appear on Thursday, June 19, 2025, and is anticipated to provide critical insight into a problem that continues to affect thousands of Liberians daily.