The Federal Government today implemented a decree that has a significant impact on Puntland

Mogadishu (Caasimada Online) – Today, October 1st, a directive from the Federal Government of Somalia has come into effect nationwide requiring anyone traveling on domestic flights to carry the National Identity Card, NIRA.

The Federal Government stated that this step aims to ensure the security of the country and to monitor the movements of Somali citizens.

A press release from the Immigration and Naturalization Agency informed Somali citizens traveling to obtain the NIRA card in advance, urging them to comply with the new directive.

“The Immigration and Naturalization Agency informs all citizens traveling within the regions of the country to obtain the National Identity Card or the Identity Certificate starting from October 1, 2026,” the statement from the Immigration and Naturalization Agency of the Government of Somalia said.

On the other hand, this directive is reported to have immediately affected flights between the cities of Mogadishu and Garoowe, with some flights being canceled this morning due to the use of the NIRA card.

This issue comes at a time when the dispute between the Federal Government and the Puntland administration regarding the implementation of the NIRA identity card is still ongoing.

Puntland has previously opposed the establishment of an Identity and Registration Agency office in its regions, a move that has hindered the residents of that administration from obtaining the NIRA card, which has now officially come into effect nationwide.