Jowhar (Dawan Africa) – Somalia’s National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has officially inaugurated a new regional office in the federal member state of HirShabelle, as part of ongoing efforts to expand access to national identification services across the country.
The launch ceremony took place on 19 July 2025 in Jowhar and was attended by HirShabelle President Ali Abdullahi Hussein (Gudlawe), NIRA Director General Cabdiweli Cali Cabdulle (Timacadde), ministers, members of parliament, NIRA officials, and representatives of civil society.
NIRA stated that the new office is part of a broader strategy to decentralize its operations and bring services closer to citizens in all federal member states. The agency also confirmed that the National ID card will be issued free of charge.
President Gudlawe urged residents of HirShabelle to register and obtain their National ID cards, emphasizing its importance for accessing government services. “Obtaining a national identity card is the backbone of accessing any government office or service. It is essential to register as early as possible,” he stated.
NIRA Director General Timacadde added that the new center reflects the federal government’s commitment to modernizing Somalia’s civil registry and improving access to reliable, identity-based public services.
The National ID program, which operates under the federal government, aims to strengthen governance, expand access to public services, and promote financial inclusion. It is also seen as a key pillar of Somalia’s digital transformation agenda.
