Mogadishu, Somalia (Dawan Africa) – The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation of Somalia has officially announced that possessing the National ID card issued by the National Registration and Identification Authority (NIRA) is now a mandatory requirement for accessing its services. This decision, part of the government’s broader efforts to streamline public services, aims to improve efficiency and security across essential government functions.
In a statement released on Monday, 20 June, 2025, the Ministry clarified that the National ID card would now be required for citizens seeking transportation-related services, including obtaining or renewing driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, and applying for other transportation permits. This move follows the resolution by the Council of Ministers on April 7, 2025, which mandated that all government and private institutions integrate the National ID card into the delivery of basic services.
“This step is crucial to ensure that the services we provide align with modern standards, offering Somali citizens timely, transparent, and secure services,” the Ministry’s statement read.
The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation is the first government agency to officially enforce the National ID requirement, marking a significant milestone in the integration of citizen identification systems across government services. The announcement follows the government’s broader push for national reform, as outlined in the National Reform Plan approved in March 2025. The plan aims to enhance national security and streamline citizen identification across the country.
The decision is expected to enhance service delivery, reduce fraud, and strengthen the country’s overall governance framework by ensuring better identification of citizens within the public service system.