The Federal Government of Somalia has announced that essential banking services will now require citizens to present a National Identity Card. The Central Bank of Somalia declared that, effective immediately, individuals must produce a valid National ID to open bank accounts, deposit or withdraw money, and apply for loans.
This move is a collaborative effort between the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) and the Somali Bankers Association. Initially, the policy will be enforced in the Banadir region, which includes the capital, Mogadishu, before being rolled out nationwide.
According to the Central Bank, the new regulation aims to curb the use of forged identification documents, combat money laundering, and enhance the security of financial services. It is a key part of Somalia’s National Reform Agenda, launched in March 2025, which focuses on modernizing state institutions and rebuilding public trust in governance.
For over three decades, Somalia has operated without a formal identification system following the collapse of the central government in 1991. The introduction of biometric ID cards began in September 2023, with pilot programs in Mogadishu, Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and Las Anod.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre emphasized that the national ID system addresses longstanding challenges in elections, security, and economic opportunities. Similarly, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud described the National ID as the “backbone of national security,” noting that the absence of official identification has severely hindered efforts to combat terrorism and protect public services.
