By E. J. Nathaniel Daygbor
The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Identification Registry (NIR) to build the country’s database to bolster national security and combat cybercrime.
This partnership aims to establish a comprehensive database of the nation’s citizens and residents as part of Liberia’s digital economy strategy, officials said Tuesday in the capital Monrovia.
Under the terms of the MOU, the LTA and NIR will work together to facilitate the free registration of National Identification Cards for an estimated 4.5 million Liberians, a process slated to be completed within the next nine months.
This initiative is expected to streamline identification and improve digital security measures for the general population.
LTA’s Acting Chairman Abdullah Kamara, emphasized the necessity of this collaboration.
“LTA cannot fully achieve digital transformation without a well-structured database. This partnership will enable us to safeguard digital platforms and protect subscribers from identity theft and other cybercrimes,” he said.
As part of the new regulations enforced by the LTA, all mobile SIM card owners will have to register their cards using the unique NIR-issued identification cards. SIM cards that are not registered within six months will be deactivated, a measure aimed at reducing fraudulent activities linked to unregistered mobile devices.
According to Kamara, the SIM registration initiative will allow the NIR to create a reliable database that not only identifies individuals but also serves as a multi-functional tool.
“The information we collect can be extended to various critical services, including drivers’ licenses, passports, land purchases, business transactions, and work permits,” he said.
The LTA’s ambitious goal of registering 4.5 million people reflects the pressing need for a centralized database amidst the current usage of over 4 million SIM cards in Liberia. The registration process, expected to launch shortly, will be free for the first three months after which fees will be charged for registering beyond the stipulated timeframe.
To bolster law enforcement efforts, Kamara stated that the new system will employ biometric data for tracking phone call activities where threats are issued, reducing reliance solely on names for identification.
Andrew Peters, Executive Director General of the NIR, noted that the collaboration is vital for creating a robust national database.
“New identification cards issued by the NIR will streamline verification processes across various services, enhancing everything from banking and e-government transactions to mobile communications,” he explained.
Peters also mentioned that registration centers have been established in every district and township across Liberia to facilitate local access to the identification process. He expressed optimism that this move will significantly mitigate the risk of fraud and enhance overall security in the country.
The database will serve as a foundational pillar for Liberia’s digital economy, ensuring that all citizens and residents are accurately identified and securely integrated into the nation’s growing digital landscape.
