By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has embarked on a major campaign urging all residents to obtain their National Identity Cards. This effort is part of a broader national initiative to enhance security and streamline identification systems across the country.
The campaign is a collaborative effort with the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), led by Director General Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi. The NCRA’s proactive approach aims to ensure that every citizen and resident is properly identified, bolstering national security, governance and access to essential services.
Inspector General of Police ,William Fayia Sellu, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “The National Identity Card is not just a document; it is a crucial tool for accessing various services and ensuring the safety and security of our nation.”
The initiative, effective January 1, 2025, mandates the use of National ID Cards at security checkpoints nationwide. This move has received strong backing from key figures, including National Security Coordinator Abdulai Caulker. Residents are strongly encouraged to secure their Biometric ID Cards promptly to avoid inconvenience at these checkpoints.
The Biometric ID Cards, embedded with National Identification Numbers (NINs), are vital for accessing a wide range of services in Sierra Leone. The NCRA has stressed their necessity for transactions with financial institutions, vehicle registration, public and private sector employment, NASSIT enrollment, land and property registration, educational enrollment, SIM card registration, and more.
The ID cards incorporate advanced security features, such as fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, and embedded secure chips, to ensure robust identity verification. These features not only strengthen national security but also combat identity fraud.
To facilitate easy access, the NCRA has established registration centers across the country, including:
- NCRA Headquarters: 2 Walpole Street, Freetown
- NCRA Office: 23B Off Kingharman Road, Freetown
- NCRA Office: Kennedy Street, Freetown
- NCRA Branch Office: 230 Lumley Road, Freetown (by the Roundabout)
- NCRA Office: Waterloo, Freetown Highway (Opposite Police Station)
- Regional Headquarters in Bo, Kenema, Makeni, and Port Loko
These centers serve citizens aged 12 and above, ECOWAS nationals residing in Sierra Leone, and foreign residents requiring Non-National ID Cards for work and residence permits. The NCRA also offers specialized services for corporate entities, integrating the identification system into their operations seamlessly.
For further assistance, residents can contact the NCRA through these numbers: +232-33-433-333, +232-30-500-000, +232-60-000, +232-78-221-812, or via email at idverification@ncra.gov.
This initiative marks a significant step toward reinforcing national security and improving service delivery across Sierra Leone. As the campaign progresses, the SLP and NCRA continue to highlight the critical role of Biometric ID Cards in the nation’s development.
