Somali ID Agency Serves 17000 Citizens in a Day

Somalia, 27 October 2025 — Somalia’s National Identification Registration Agency (NIRA) reported that it served more than 17,000 citizens in a single day, marking the highest daily total since the agency began operations. The figure includes both new registrations and ID card issuances.

The surge in numbers comes as NIRA rolls out new registration centers, extends the free service period, and plans to introduce night shifts to improve citizen access.

Speaking at a press briefing in Mogadishu today, NIRA Director-General Abdiweli Ali Abdulle (Timacadde) confirmed the agency is progressing with its rollout across all federal member states and the capital.

“We are currently registering over 17,000 people daily — the highest figure we’ve achieved so far,” said Abdulle. “Our goal is to reach 20,000 registrations a day in the coming weeks as we expand capacity.”

To help meet the growing demand Abdulle announced that NIRA plans to introduce night shifts in high traffic centers across Mogadishu, including Soobe and Boondheere, allowing citizens who cannot visit during the day to register in the evening. The program will initially launch in two centers before expanding to five major facilities citywide, enabling round-the-clock service.

NIRA confirmed it has extended the free service period through November to encourage wider participation.

Abdulle also noted that NIRA has opened four new centers in Mogadishu and plans to open 17 more across the federal member states, as part of its strategy to ensure ID services are accessible to all citizens.

The agency also urged the public to follow queue systems and support staff working long hours to ensure smooth operations.

In addition, NIRA warned against fraudulent activities by individuals attempting to charge citizens for registration or interfere with the process, confirming that several suspects have already been arrested and handed over to authorities.

“We encourage citizens to report anyone demanding payment or engaging in misconduct at ID centers.” Abdulle stressed.