Press Release No. : 03/2025
Date : 28 February 2025
Press Release No 03 – UPDATE ON FIJI’S NATIONAL IDENTIFICATION (ID) PROJECT
Inaugural Steering Committee Meeting on Fiji National Digital ID:
A Step Towards a Secure and Inclusive Future
The National Identification (ID) Steering Committee held its inaugural meeting on 26 February 2025 in Suva, marking a significant step toward establishing a comprehensive and secure National Digital ID System for Fiji. The Steering Committee is co-chaired by Hon. Manoa Kamikamica, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications and Mr Ariff Ali, Governor, Reserve Bank of Fiji, also comprises Hon. Dr. Biman Prasad, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development & Statistics, Hon. Siromi Turaga, Minister for Justice, Mr Graham Leung, Attorney-General and Mr Ropate Lomavatu Solicitor-General for Office of the Attorney-General. The Steering Committee shall also co-opt additional members as needed.
Following the inaugural Fiji’s National ID inception workshop held in October 2024, the National ID Steering Committee meeting laid the foundation for the vision, strategy and way forward for a comprehensive National ID system aimed at improving access to essential services for all Fijians. The committee also discussed initiatives to provide a unified and accessible form of identification that enhances security, efficiency and inclusivity across various sectors including healthcare, social welfare, finance and education. The Steering Committee noted the importance and benefits of the National ID and was informed that studies by the McKinsey Global Institute highlights that countries with well-functioning digital ID systems can boost their economic potential from between approximately 3 to 13 percent.
The Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica mentioned that “The Fiji National Digital ID will not only streamline access to vital services but will also empower citizens by giving them a reliable and secure means of identification in an increasingly digital world. It will require the support of numerous government agencies and partners and this meeting sets the platform for the work ahead”.
Hon. Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga, added “Experts agree National ID should be single proof of identity. Digital IDs are an effective tool against poverty and a critical piece of digital public infrastructure. Using a digital ID reduces the unnecessary collection of identity information, where people provide physical copies of their identity documents over and over”.
Co-Chair, Governor RBF, Mr Ariff Ali, highlighted that “This partnership with government and other stakeholders will lay the groundwork for a transition to a standardised and universal National ID that will enable access to critical services. The committee will be meeting regularly to ensure we put in place a framework to ensure the National ID facilitates the effective delivery of essential public and private services”.
The Steering Committee on the National ID project approved the following in its inaugural meeting: –
1. The high-level Governance structure, including the setting of various Working Groups;
2. The projected budget and project timeline;
3. Drafting of the required supportive legislation;
4. Periodic update to the Cabinet on the progress of the project; and
5. Engagement with key stakeholders for the project.
The Steering Committee members were supported at the meeting by the Permanent Secretary for Finance, Permanent Secretary for Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications; Permanent Secretary for Justice, Acting Deputy Governor and specialist/experts from ADB who are supporting the project through technical assistance.
For further information please contact:
Mr Praneel Prasad
Fiji National Digital ID Project
Reserve Bank of Fiji
Telephone: (679) 3223 247
Email: praneel@rbf.gov.fj