Sen. Dillon Raises Concern Over Prolonged Suspension of National ID Issuance, Outlines Economic Constraints
Montserrado County Senator, Abraham Darius Dillon has expressed serious concern over the prolonged suspension of the issuance of National Identification Cards, describing the situation as a major obstacle to economic and business activities across the country.
Speaking during the Senate’s Thursday session, Senator Dillon requested the indulgence of the Senate Plenary to summon officials of the (NIR) to appear before the body and explain the reasons behind the extended halt in the issuance of National ID cards.
According to the lawmaker, his concern stems from growing complaints from constituents who are being denied access to essential services and business transactions because commercial banks and other institutions are refusing to accept expired National ID cards.
Senator Dillon noted that many citizens are also facing difficulties fulfilling other requirements for which a valid National ID card is mandatory.
He argued that if the government has suspended the issuance of National ID cards, it is unfair and unreasonable for the same document to remain a mandatory requirement for accessing services and conducting transactions.
The senator explained that after more than six months of suspension, government institutions, commercial banks, mobile money operators, and telecommunications companies continue to require either a valid passport or National ID card for transactions and other services.
“What is more frustrating to our people is that banks and other institutions that require National IDs are refusing to honor expired National ID cards,” Senator Dillon told the Senate.
“Without issuing new IDs, the same government cannot be asking citizens to provide updated and valid IDs to conduct transactions,” he added.
Dillon further emphasized that many citizens are unable to transact business with banks or mobile money providers due to the situation.
“As lawmakers, we have an obligation to raise issues affecting the Liberian people,” he said. “We have a responsibility to understand why there has been such a prolonged suspension or halt in the issuance of National ID cards.”
He continued: “You cannot require people to present a particular ID while at the same time suspending the issuance of that ID.
Therefore, I am seeking the intervention of the Plenary so that officials of the National Identification Registry can appear before us and provide a clear explanation.”
Following the senator’s communication, the Senate Plenary agreed to invite officials of the National Identification Registry to appear before the body next Tuesday to provide clarification on the matter and address concerns surrounding the suspension of National ID card issuance.
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