Mogadishu, Somalia 29th July 2025. The Central Bank of Somalia (CBS), in collaboration with the National Identification & Registration Authority (NIRA), and Somali Bankers Association, hereby informs the public that all commercial banks are mandated to implement enhanced customer identification requirements.

In line with the CBS regulation on Electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) and Memorandum of Understanding between CBS and NIRA aimed at strengthening identity verification standards in the banking sector, the following measures shall apply effective on 01 September 2025: No new bank account shall be opened without the presentation of a valid National Identification (ID) issued by NIRA.

Renewal or updating of existing accounts shall only be permitted upon confirmation of a valid National ID issued by NIRA.

Designated NIRA service points will be available within selected branches of each bank and NIRA offices in Mogadishu to allow customers to register, and collect their National ID.

These measures represent a critical step toward strengthening financial integrity, preventing identity fraud, and ensuring broader access to secure and reliable banking services.

N.B: The enhanced customer identification standards will take effect for bank customers in the Banadir region starting 01st September 2025, and will subsequently be rolled out across the rest of the country.