Liberia Suspends Biometric ID Contract Amid Procurement Controversy

A biometric identification contract in Liberia has been suspended after the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) rejected the process used to award it. The deal, tied to President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s Executive Order No. 147 mandating national biometric IDs, has drawn scrutiny over transparency in government contracting.

Procurement Rejection and Timeline

The National Identification Registry (NIR) had sought to award the contract to Austrian firm OSD International through restricted bidding. While some outlets report the deal’s value at $44 million, others have cited a lower figure of approximately $9.8 million. On July 7, 2025, the PPCC formally denied the NIR’s request, citing Sections 96 and 97 of the PPCC Act of 2010.

In its rejection letter, the PPCC wrote: “The Commission is unable to grant the National Identification Registry (NIR) a No Objection to proceed with Restricted Bidding … The NIR is required to utilize the National and International Competitive Bidding method…”

The decision came two days after a July 5 presidential memo established a 10-member Steering Committee, chaired by National Security Advisor Samuel Koffi Woods, to “finalize the selection of a contractor” and proceed with OSD’s selection. The sequence has fueled debate over the coordination between the presidency and procurement authorities.

Allegations and Suspension

According to GNN Liberia and The Liberian Investigator, senior aides including Mamaka Bility, Molley Kamara, and Samuel Koffi Woods are alleged to have failed to inform President Boakai of the PPCC’s rejection. These reports attribute the claims to unnamed sources and they remain unverified.

The Liberian Investigator and other outlets have also reported allegations that a request was made for an illicit payment of roughly $120,000 to facilitate the deal’s progression; this claim has not been substantiated and is presented as reported by sources.

The Central Bank of Liberia and NIR have now suspended issuance of the new biometric ID cards, citing “administrative concerns.” This pause effectively halts enforcement of Executive Order No. 147 until the procurement issues are resolved.

Calls for Investigation

Civil society organizations and lawmakers are urging a formal investigation into the procurement process and the conduct of officials involved. Advocates say the episode underscores the importance of adhering to established procurement laws to ensure accountability and public trust.

The biometric ID program, once implemented, is intended to register both citizens and foreign residents, using fingerprints and facial images to create a national database for identification and public service access. For now, its rollout remains on hold as Liberia’s government confronts the controversy surrounding the suspended contract.

Sources: GNN Liberia, The Liberian Investigator, FrontPageAfrica

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By Cass Kennedy