By Bill W. Cooper
The Director of the National Identification Registry (NIR), John Tiah Nagbe, says adjustments have been made in the expiration dates of the National Identification Cards for both natural born and naturalized Liberians.
He announced that every renewable national identification card will now last for the period of seven years instead of the previous one year while newly printed card will last for three years as means of enabling first-time holders do all necessary adjustments within the stipulated time.
Addressing a news conference yesterday at his NIR office in Congo Town, Mr. Nagbe among other things pointed out that fees for the National Identification Card for natural born and naturalized Liberians will remain at US$5.
According to him, fees for all Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) foreign residents to obtain the card is US$10, while Non-ECOWAS foreign resident will have to pay the sum of US$20 before getting hold of the card.
Mr. Nagbe, at the same time, announced Monday, October 3, 2022 as date for those wanting to renew or obtain their ID card from the NIR and thereby cautioned Liberians to take advantage of the process.
Commenting on the usage of the card for the 2023 Presidential and Representatives elections, the NIR boss stated that there has been no prior agreement or discussion between them and the National Elections Commission (NEC) in that line.
According to him, every major institution wanting to use the card has a standing relationship with the NIR through the signing of a formal contract, something he said will enable them train/educate said institution about the card due to its security features.
He said, “So, as we speak, there has been no response or any communication from the NEC concerning their plans about the usage of the card in the election but only heard it on radio and in the public. However, we have also written them and awaiting their response.”
“And in case of anything collaboration, we will make ourselves available to partner with the NEC for the betterment of our country and government,” the NIR boss intoned.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nagbe has also disclosed that arrest have been made for individuals who were involved in the printing of multiple duplicated ID cards in Maryland and that said individuals are now in police custody undergoing investigation.
