By Amin Kef (Ranger)
As the year draws to a close, Sierra Leoneans and residents across the country are urged to secure their Biometric ID Cards and carry them at all times during the festive season for security reasons. With the holiday season approaching, the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) emphasizes the importance of these cards for both personal safety and national security.
Since their introduction in early 2023, Biometric ID Cards have been a key tool in modernizing identity verification, reducing fraud and streamlining access to vital public and private sector services. In response to the growing need for enhanced security and efficiency, NCRA calls on all citizens and non-citizens residing in Sierra Leone to obtain these cards.
The NCRA stresses that acquiring a Biometric ID Card is not just a personal responsibility but also a civic obligation. All Sierra Leonean citizens aged 12 and above are eligible to apply for a Biometric ID Card, which can be obtained at any NCRA office nationwide. For convenience, new registration centers have been established in major towns such as Bo, Kenema, Makeni and Port Loko, making the process more accessible to applicants throughout the country.
The NCRA issues 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 residing in Sierra Leone.
- Non-National ID Cards for foreign residents, which are required to obtain work and residence permits.
In line with parliamentary requirements, foreign nationals residing in Sierra Leone must obtain Non-National ID Cards, which are now essential for accessing key services, all linked to the National Identification Number (NIN) embedded in each card.
These advanced Biometric ID Cards are equipped with state-of-the-art security features, including fingerprint scanning, facial recognition and a secure chip that stores critical personal data. These features make it increasingly difficult to engage in identity fraud, offering better protection for individuals and institutions alike.
“The primary goal of these advanced Biometric ID Cards is to enhance both national and individual security,” stated an NCRA official. These cards are designed to safeguard businesses, Government institutions and individuals from identity theft and other fraudulent activities.
In addition to their role in strengthening national security, Biometric ID Cards simplify access to essential services. Citizens and non-citizens alike can use the cards to open bank accounts, access remittance services and verify their identities for telecommunications and financial transactions. The integration of NINs with these services enables faster, safer, and more efficient processes for users.
To support the application process, the NCRA has set up registration centers in key locations across the country, including:
- NCRA Headquarters, 2 Walpole Street
- NCRA Office, 23B Off Kingharman Road
- NCRA Office, Kennedy Street
- NCRA Branch Office, 230 Lumley Road (By the Roundabout)
- NCRA Office, Waterloo (Opposite the Police Station)
Additionally, regional centers in towns like Bo, Kenema and Makeni are available for easier access.
The NCRA has also accelerated efforts to link NINs with mobile phone SIM cards, aiming to further enhance national security and prevent cybercrime. Director-General Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi recently chaired a high-level meeting with stakeholders, including Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), the National Telecommunications Commission (NaCTA) and the Sierra Leone Police (SLP). The initiative, which will link NINs to SIM cards, is expected to simplify identity verification and enhance the security of financial transactions and communications.
Failure to link NINs to SIM cards will result in the deactivation of critical telecommunications services, including voice calls and mobile money transfers. Citizens are strongly encouraged to act promptly to avoid any service interruptions during the festive season.
Obtaining a Biometric ID Card is a simple and transparent process. Here’s how to apply:
- Visit any NCRA office or registration center.
- Fill out the required registration form with your personal information.
- Submit your biometric data, including fingerprints and facial recognition.
- Collect your Biometric ID Card after processing.
With multiple centers now available nationwide, the process has never been more accessible. Sierra Leoneans and residents are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to secure their Biometric ID Cards and link their NINs to mobile SIM cards before the festive season begins.
This drive is a crucial step in building a safer, more secure Sierra Leone. By securing your Biometric ID Card and ensuring it is carried with you at all times, you contribute to a more secure, efficient and digitally inclusive nation. Visit your nearest NCRA office today and help make the country safer for all.
