Liberia's Biometric ID Contract Faces Controversy Over Procurement Flaws, B

Published Date : 8/14/2025 

The Liberian government's decision to award a national biometric ID contract to OSD International has sparked controversy, with allegations of procurement irregularities and bribery. The Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) had recommended against the contract, but President Boakai proceeded with the agreement. 

There’s significant controversy surrounding the national biometric ID contract awarded by the Liberian government to Austrian security printing firm OSD International. Local reports suggest that the contract was awarded despite an unfavorable opinion from the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC), the country’s public procurement oversight body.

Front Page Africa recently published leaked documents that reveal the PPCC’s recommendations were against the award of the contract, whose details were submitted by the National Identification Registry (NIR). The NIR had sought approval from the PPCC to use a restricted bidding method to contract a consultant for the Design, Installation, and Maintenance of a National Biometric Identification System (NBIS) in Liberia.

The oversight body refused to grant the “no objection” request, according to a leaked letter dated July 7. Instead, the PPCC asked the NIR to use the International Competitive Bidding Method and submit a concession plan for the activity, in line with Sections 97 and 79 of Liberia’s Public Procurement Concessions Act, 2010 (PPCA, 2010). The PPCC also strongly advised the NIR to adhere to procurement procedures outlined in the PPCA, 2010.

Despite these recommendations, President Boakai, in a presidential memo in early July, instructed that OSD, already chosen by the NIR following a restricted bidding process, be maintained to avoid legal implications and ensure timely implementation of the project. The president’s instructions were communicated by presidential press secretary Kula Bonah Nyei Fofana, who also announced the formation of a Steering Committee to oversee the management of Liberia’s national ID system.

Questions are now being raised about whether President Boakai was aware of the PPCC’s concerns and recommendations or was misled by officials with vested interests in the contract, estimated at $9.8 million.

While some sources attribute the contract controversy to a breach of procedure, others point to bribery and corruption. A report by Liberian Investigator claims the contract was stalled not because it fell short of procedural requirements but because the chosen supplier, OSD, refused to succumb to demands for bribes by some government officials. The outlet quotes an anonymous source as saying that the NIR had actually obtained the PPCC’s clearance for the contract, but some individuals pushed for a re-evaluation after failing to secure a $120,000 bribe.

The source further stated that the technical justifications were clear, and national security was a key reason for selecting OSD. The MoU for the contract was signed in 2024, as confirmed by the Liberian Investigator. The contract controversy is partly responsible for the recent suspension of ID issuance in Liberia, prompting the president to set up a Steering Committee to manage the situation.

Liberia is no stranger to controversies regarding biometric contracts. In 2022, the country faced procurement irregularities around a biometric voter registration deal, which dragged on for months. The same year, there was a major procurement saga over facial recognition thermometers. In 2023, a contract for the issuance of biometric residence permits also faced criticisms after it was reportedly awarded in a covert and restricted manner.

Liberia hopes to begin issuing new national ID cards by April next year, and the country considers the system a key aspect of its digital transformation and digital economy plans. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the main controversy surrounding the biometric ID contract in Liberia?

A: The main controversy is that the contract was awarded to OSD International despite an unfavorable recommendation from the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC). Some sources also allege bribery and corruption.

Q: What did the PPCC recommend regarding the biometric ID contract?

A: The PPCC recommended against the contract and advised the National Identification Registry (NIR) to use the International Competitive Bidding Method and submit a concession plan, in line with the Public Procurement Concessions Act, 2010.

Q: Why did President Boakai proceed with the contract despite the PPCC's recommendations?

A: President Boakai, in a presidential memo, instructed that OSD be maintained to avoid legal implications and ensure timely implementation of the project, despite the PPCC's recommendations.

Q: What are the allegations of bribery related to the contract?

A: Some sources claim that the contract was stalled because OSD refused to pay bribes to some government officials. The NIR allegedly had initial clearance but faced a re-evaluation after the bribe demands were not met.

Q: What is Liberia's goal with the new biometric ID system?

A: Liberia hopes to begin issuing new national ID cards by April next year, and the system is considered a key aspect of the country's digital transformation and digital economy plans. 

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