By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a major push to enhance national security and streamline access to essential services, the Government of Sierra Leone has intensified the issuance of securitized and multi-purpose Biometric Identity Cards across the Western Area and regional headquarter towns. These cards play a critical role in providing citizens and residents with access to a wide range of public and private services, and they represent a key element of the government’s broader initiative to safeguard national identity.
The Biometric ID Cards are available in three categories: National ID Cards for Sierra Leoneans aged 12 and above, ECOWAS ID Cards for both Sierra Leoneans and citizens of ECOWAS member states, and Non-National ID Cards for foreign residents. Foreign nationals living in Sierra Leone, with the exception of those holding diplomatic waivers, are required to obtain their Non-National ID Cards by May 1, 2023. This mandate, ratified by Parliament, ties access to essential services—such as work and residence permits—to the National Identification Number (NIN) embedded within the Biometric ID Cards.
The primary objective behind the introduction of these advanced Biometric ID Cards is to bolster both national and individual security. With enhanced biometric features like fingerprint scans and facial recognition, the cards offer an additional layer of verification, making it much harder for individuals to engage in identity fraud or assume false identities. The unique identifiers embedded in each card ensure that identity verification is both accurate and secure, significantly reducing the risks associated with identity theft.
In today’s digital world, where secure identification is more crucial than ever, Sierra Leone’s Biometric ID Cards serve as a strong defense against identity-related fraud. The cards protect not only citizens but also businesses and government institutions from financial and reputational risks. By offering a secure means of identification, the cards ensure that individuals accessing various services—from financial transactions to government benefits—are properly and thoroughly verified.
Beyond security, these Biometric ID Cards are rapidly becoming indispensable tools for accessing a wide array of services in both the public and private sectors. For instance, individuals collecting remittances from foreign exchange bureaus are now required to present their Biometric ID Cards. Similarly, the cards are necessary for opening a bank account, cashing cheques, or applying for government services such as land acquisition. This ensures that the identification process is not only secure but also consistent across all sectors.
To further strengthen security measures, the Government has announced that all phone users in Sierra Leone must link their National Identification Numbers (NINs) to their mobile phone SIM cards by November 30, 2024. Failure to comply with this directive will result in the deactivation of phone services. This step is part of the government’s efforts to combat cybercrime, identity theft, and other illegal activities enabled by unregistered or anonymous SIM cards. By linking SIM cards to verified NINs, the government aims to exercise tighter control over the nation’s communication networks and further boost national security.
The issuance of Biometric ID Cards is ongoing at various National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) offices nationwide, including the following locations in Freetown:
- NCRA Headquarters at 2 Walpole Street
- NCRA Office at 23B Off Kingharman Road
- NCRA Office on Kennedy Street
- NCRA Branch Office at 230 Lumley Road (By the Round & About)
- NCRA Office at Waterloo along the Freetown Highway (Opposite the Police Station)
NCRA offices are also operating in the regional headquarter towns of Bo, Kenema, Makeni, and Port Loko. In addition, the NCRA provides corporate services to both public and private entities for issuing Biometric ID Cards.
The rollout of these Biometric ID Cards marks a significant step forward in improving security and enhancing access to vital services across Sierra Leone. By ensuring safer and more reliable interactions in all sectors, the government is positioning the country for a more secure and efficient future. The ongoing implementation of these cards demonstrates Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening its identification systems and safeguarding the interests of its citizens and residents.
