Baidoa, Somalia – The President of the Southwest State, Mr. Abdiqziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, officially inaugurated the headquarters of the National Identification and Registration Agency (NIRA) in Baidoa today. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in Somalia’s efforts to strengthen its national identity systems and facilitate future electoral processes.
The event was attended by prominent officials, including the Director of NIRA, Mr. Abdiweli Ali Abdulle (commonly known as Tima’ade), and other key government representatives, including line ministries. The launch underscores the Somali government’s commitment to enhancing governance and administrative services through robust national identification infrastructure.
The establishment of NIRA’s Baidoa office comes at a pivotal moment as Somalia prepares for its first direct elections in decades. This follows the Somali Parliament’s recent approval of the Electoral Law and the appointment of members to the National Electoral and Boundaries Commission. These developments are expected to lay the groundwork for a democratic electoral process across the nation.
Since his appointment, NIRA Director Abdiweli Tima’ade has been instrumental in expanding the agency’s reach, ensuring that its services are accessible to more regions of the country. The launch of the Baidoa office reflects this strategic expansion, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to serving communities across Somalia.
The new NIRA office in Baidoa will play a crucial role in facilitating voter registration and other identification services necessary for conducting transparent and credible elections. It is expected to enhance the state’s administrative capacity while contributing to the broader goals of national stability and democratic governance.
Speaking at the event, President Laftagareen emphasized the importance of this initiative in supporting Southwest State’s development and Somalia’s broader electoral preparations. “This marks a new chapter in empowering our citizens and strengthening the governance framework necessary for free and fair elections,” he stated.
Director Abdiweli Tima’ade highlighted the agency’s commitment to ensuring that all Somalis have access to reliable identification systems. “Expanding NIRA’s presence across the country is crucial in promoting inclusivity and supporting democratic processes. The Baidoa office is another step toward realizing this vision,” he said.
As Somalia progresses toward direct elections, the establishment of NIRA offices in key regions is expected to be a cornerstone in building trust and transparency in the electoral process. The Baidoa headquarters will serve as a model for further expansion, enabling Somalia to move closer to achieving its democratic aspirations.