MONROVIA – Liberia celebrated the 2025 edition of National Identity Day on September 16 under the theme “My Identity, My Umbrella,” highlighting the importance of legal identity in protecting individuals and ensuring access to essential services.
Andrew Peters, Executive Director of the National Identification Registry (NIR), emphasized the critical role of verifiable identity in today’s digital era. “A legal identity acts like an umbrella, shielding individuals from vulnerabilities and ensuring they are seen and heard in society,” Peters said.
He highlighted the benefits of a secure National Biometric Identification System (NBIS), including:
- Efficient public services: Centralized data will streamline access to healthcare, education, and social welfare.
- Enhanced security: Accurate identification helps law enforcement prevent and investigate crimes.
- Economic growth: Reliable IDs support access to social benefits and broader economic participation.
- E-government services: Digital governance becomes more accessible.
- Improved elections: Accurate IDs ensure transparency and reduce fraud.
Digital Identity and ICT
Hon. Clarence Kortu Massaquoi, Chairman of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), emphasized the growing importance of digital identity in Liberia’s ICT landscape.
“Knowing the person behind the screen is vital to curbing online crime and ensuring safety,” Massaquoi said. He cited collaboration between the LTA and NIR to strengthen mobile user identification, including regulations requiring verified SIM card registration, as a key step in safeguarding Liberia’s digital economy.
Global Context and Call to Action
The event also promoted World Identity Day, proposing September 16 as a global observance linked to UN Sustainable Development Goal 16.9, which aims to provide legal identity for all by 2030.
Massaquoi urged citizens and residents to recognize the importance of secure identities in both physical and digital contexts. “Celebrating identity is not merely about personal recognition but a collective step toward a safer, more inclusive society,” he said.
As Liberia embraces digital transformation, the theme “My Identity, My Umbrella” serves as a reminder that secure and verifiable identity is essential for protecting individuals, fostering inclusion, and supporting national development.
