Waajid, Somalia — The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) of Somalia on Saturday began issuing national ID cards in Waajid district, marking another milestone in the country’s ongoing effort to modernize its civil registration system.
The launch ceremony, held in the heart of Bakool region’s Waajid district, drew local officials, traditional elders, security representatives, and residents eager to be part of what many described as a “historic moment” for the community. For years, the absence of reliable identification has complicated access to essential services such as banking, education, and travel.
The rollout in Waajid is part of a broader national plan led by NIRA to extend registration and ID issuance across all Somali regions. The initiative is designed to strengthen governance, improve security, and streamline the delivery of social services. It also forms a critical component of the government’s digital transformation agenda, which aims to create a centralized population database.
Local officials in Waajid underscored the importance of the ID program in empowering citizens and improving coordination between government institutions and the public. For many residents, especially youth and women who have long struggled to verify their identities, the introduction of a standardized ID card brings a sense of belonging and recognition by the state.
The rollout comes after similar exercises were successfully conducted in several urban centers, including Mogadishu and Baidoa. By expanding the program into rural areas like Waajid, authorities hope to ensure inclusivity and nationwide participation.
As the registration teams began processing applications, long lines formed outside the designated centers. Community elders encouraged residents to take part, describing the program as a step toward unity and state-building.
The national ID initiative is seen as a cornerstone of Somalia’s institutional recovery—an effort not only to provide documentation but to rebuild trust between citizens and the state after decades of fragmentation. For the people of Waajid, Saturday’s launch represented more than a technical exercise; it was a sign that progress, however gradual, is reaching even the country’s most remote corners.