About Us

NIRA is mandated to perform the following functions:

1. administer the National Identification System (NIDS);
2. develop policies, procedures and protocols for the creation, management and operation of the National Identification System (NIDS), relating to:
   • the enrolment of eligible individuals;
   • the generation and assignment of a National Identification Number (NIN) to each enrolled individual;
   • the issuance of a National Identification Card (NIC) to each enrolled individual;
   • the collation and reproduction of information obtained as required under National Identification and Registration Act 2021;
   • the safe custody and, where required, disposal of all identity information collected or obtained by the Authority or stored in the National Databases;
   • the promotion of the use of the National Identification Number (NIN) and the National Identification Card (NIC); and
   • on-going research on developments and best practices in civil registration and identity information management; 
3. develop appropriate systems and protocols for the security, secrecy, and necessary safeguards for the protection and confidentiality, of the information stored in the National Databases;
4. carry out the functions of the Registrar-General as prescribed under the following legislation:
   • Registration (Births and Deaths) Act
   • Children (Adoption of) Act
   • Marriage Act
   • Muslim Marriage Act
5. Hindu Marriage Act provide information and advice, and make proposals, to the Minister, on matters relating to the Authority;
6. monitor and promote compliance with the National Identification and Registration Act 2021 and regulations made under this Act, and to develop public education programmes with a view to promoting such compliance;
7. develop policies and protocols for the prevention of identity theft and other instances of fraud with respect to identity information, and co-operate with other “anti-fraud organisations” (as defined by section 24(2) of the Data Protection Act);
8. monitor its operations to ensure that they are in conformity with—
   • the Data Protection Act;
   • the Financial Administration and Audit Act and all applicable financial instructions issued by the Financial Secretary under that Act;
   • the Public Bodies Management and Accountability Act;
   • and any other law relevant to the management of public bodies or the protection of identity information.