By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter
Somalia, 8 January 2026 The Director of the National Identification Agency (NIRA), Abdiwali Ali Abdulle ‘Timacade' has stated that a budget of $125 million is required to fully implement the national ID card program across the country, ensuring that every Somali citizen receives an ID, as the government plans to launch a unified digital identification system in Somalia.
Speaking on the Miizaan Podcast aired by Dawan Media, Timacade explained that the plan is a comprehensive national program, but faces financial challenges that have affected its full implementation.
“The plan we have set requires $125 million for this program to be implemented nationwide so that every citizen receives a national ID card,” Timcade said, adding that currently only one-fifth of the required funds have been secured.
He noted that the agency has developed a five-year plan based on the National Transformation Plan, aiming to provide ID cards to up to 15 million people by 2029.
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The director emphasized that the program aligns with international standards, which call for each country to have a unified digital ID system to facilitate access to government services, enhance security, and support development planning.
He also pointed out several interrelated challenges facing the program, including the large size of the country, the need to reach every citizen regardless of location, and the growing demand from Somali diaspora communities abroad.
In addition, he highlighted infrastructure challenges such as electricity, internet access, and accurate population data, which are critical for implementing a nationwide digital identification system
Despite these obstacles, the director pledged to double the agency’s efforts to ensure that Somali citizens obtain national ID cards, aiming to build a modern system that supports good governance, security, and development across all sectors.
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