By: Geeplay Ezekiel Geeplay | Contributing Writer
Monrovia, Liberia |May 9, 2026| Officials from the United States Embassy near Monrovia paid a working visit to the National Identification Registry (NIR) Headquarters Friday to plan a solution-oriented roundtable on Liberia’s identity management system.
The delegation, led by Economic Counselor Sara L. Horner and Political Officer Christopher M. Hofmann, met with NIR Executive Director Andrew Peters to address why the registry has been closed and how the US can support reopening access to basic services for citizens and foreign residents.
Madam Horner said the visit aimed to properly plan a roundtable discussion with NIR and other key stakeholders responsible for identity management and verification in Liberia.
“The US Embassy believes a collaborative and multi-stakeholder approach offers the best path forward to address challenges comprehensively,” Horner said. “The roundtable would provide a forum to share perspectives, identify gaps, explore best practices, and develop actionable solutions that can be implemented collaboratively.”
She added that the US Embassy stands ready to provide technical assistance to strengthen Liberia’s identity infrastructure.
In response, Executive Director Andrew Peters thanked the US delegation and pledged NIR’s openness to working with the Embassy.
Peters disclosed that the Liberian government is finalizing a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) concession agreement with Osterreichische Staatsdruckerei (OeSD) International, an Austrian solutions and printing company with years of experience in the identity sector.
“Following the finalization of all necessary documentation, the resumption process will be launched,” Peters said. “3.6 million Liberians will be enrolled free of charge, while the working class will pay.”
He added that upon resumption, NIR will open an “ambassadorial window” at its headquarters for people serving in foreign or diplomatic missions.
At the close of the working visit, Director Peters took the US delegation on a guided tour of the NIR facility, including the Technical Department and Enrollment Service.
The NIR has faced criticism in recent months after service closures left citizens unable to obtain national ID cards required for banking, SIM registration, and other basic services.
The planned roundtable is expected to bring together key institutions involved in identity verification to map out a path for reliable, inclusive access to national identification.
