By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) of Sierra Leone has issued a renewed call for citizens and residents to obtain biometric national ID cards, aiming to bolster national security and streamline access to essential services. Launched in early 2023, these advanced identification cards are designed to enhance personal security while facilitating easier access to Government and private sector services.
These Biometric Cards, personalized with ICAO-compliant features and state-of-the-art public key infrastructure (PKI) for data security, are provided by X Infotech, a global leader in secure identity solutions. This initiative is part of Sierra Leone’s broader digital transformation agenda.
All citizens aged 12 and above are eligible to apply for the biometric ID cards at designated NCRA branches nationwide, including newly established centers in regional headquarter towns such as Bo, Kenema, Makeni, and Port Loko. Additionally, the government has opened six more offices in accessible locations to simplify the registration process.
As part of its 2024 objectives, the NCRA is intensifying efforts to boost the number of registered individuals. The Authority emphasizes that acquiring a Biometric ID Card is not just a personal security measure but a civic responsibility for all citizens.
The NCRA has underscored the critical role these Biometric ID cards will play in enhancing the nation’s security infrastructure. Each card is equipped with an embedded chip that securely stores facial biometric data, enabling straightforward authentication and verification. Additionally, each card features an 11-digit National Identification Number (NIN), which serves as a unique identifier linked to personal details in the national population registry.
The NIN is essential for students in primary education preparing for public examinations and for individuals traveling within the country. Furthermore, biometric ID cards may become mandatory at all checkpoints across Sierra Leone to reinforce national security and ensure proper identification of travelers.
The NCRA has introduced three types of biometric ID cards:
- National ID Cards: For Sierra Leonean citizens aged 12 and above.
- ECOWAS ID Cards: For citizens of ECOWAS member states.
- Non-National ID Cards: For foreign residents, which are now required to obtain work and residence permits.
According to a mandate passed by Parliament, foreign nationals residing in Sierra Leone must acquire Non-National ID Cards, with access to essential services contingent upon the NIN embedded in these cards.
The Biometric ID Cards feature multiple layers of security, including fingerprint scans and facial recognition technology, significantly reducing the risk of identity fraud. “The primary goal of introducing these advanced Biometric ID Cards is to enhance both national and individual security,” an NCRA official stated. These cards provide robust verification measures, protecting businesses and government institutions from the financial and reputational risks associated with identity theft.
In addition to improving security, the cards are crucial for accessing various services, such as opening bank accounts and collecting remittances from foreign exchange bureaus. This standardized identification process ensures a secure and efficient approach to service access across all sectors.
To further enhance security, the Government has mandated that all mobile phone users in Sierra Leone link their NINs to their SIM cards by November 30, 2024. Failure to comply will result in service deactivation. This initiative aims to combat cybercrime and identity theft, strengthening the country’s control over its communication networks.
Ongoing registration is available at various NCRA offices across Sierra Leone, including key locations in Freetown:
– NCRA Headquarters, 2 Walpole Street
– NCRA Office, 23B Off Kingharman Road
– NCRA Office, Kennedy Street
– NCRA Branch Office, 230 Lumley Road (By the Round & About)
– NCRA Office, Waterloo, along the Freetown Highway (Opposite the Police Station)
These offices, along with branches in other regional towns, provide a range of corporate services for both public and private entities.
The rollout of biometric ID cards marks a significant advancement in Sierra Leone’s efforts to secure its borders, protect citizens, and enhance service delivery. By embracing this innovative identification system, the government reaffirms its commitment to national security, digital transformation, and the well-being of its people. With the continued expansion of this program, Sierra Leone is positioning itself for a more secure and efficient future, ensuring guaranteed access to vital services for all.
