By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) is intensifying efforts to ensure that both citizens and non-citizens in Sierra Leone collect their Biometric ID Cards at designated centers nationwide. These cards, embedded with a unique National Identification Number (NIN), are essential tools for securing identities, accessing vital services and preventing fraud.
The Biometric ID Card is more than just an identification document; it represents a critical step forward in identity management. Each cardholder is assigned a unique NIN, ensuring that no two individuals share the same number. This unique identification system is pivotal in combating identity theft and fraud, which are increasingly common in the digital age.
Beyond identity security, the Biometric ID Card has become a mandatory requirement for accessing various public and private services in Sierra Leone. A recent Cabinet decision mandates that both citizens and non-citizens present their ID cards when engaging in activities such as banking, where the card adds an extra layer of security against fraud. Law enforcement agencies also rely on the Biometric ID Card for accurate identification at checkpoints across the country.
The card’s importance extends to the education sector as well. Students must present their Biometric ID Cards to be eligible to sit for national exams, such as the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). This requirement helps verify candidates and strengthens the integrity of the examination process by reducing the risk of impersonation.
Despite the critical need for these ID cards, the NCRA has expressed concern over the large number of uncollected cards sitting in district offices and collection centers across the country. Many individuals have yet to pick up their cards, even after receiving SMS notifications. The NCRA attributes this situation to issues such as incorrect or non-functional phone numbers provided during registration, or applicants using the phone numbers of relatives or friends, which complicates the notification process.
In light of these challenges, the NCRA is calling on all individuals who registered on or before July 31, 2024, to visit their respective registration or collection centers to pick up their cards, even if they have not received an SMS notification. To facilitate a smooth collection process, applicants are advised to bring their ID card application slips, which will help NCRA personnel quickly locate their cards.
In a related initiative aimed at enhancing identity security, the NCRA is urging all mobile phone users to link their NIN to their SIM cards between September 1 and November 30, 2024. This Government-mandated initiative is designed to protect citizens’ identities and prevent the misuse of mobile services for criminal activities. Failure to link the NIN to a SIM card within the specified period could result in service disruptions, including the inability to make or receive calls, send SMS messages, or conduct mobile money transactions.
To ensure easy access, the NCRA has established multiple registration and collection 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, along the Freetown Highway (Opposite the Police Station)
- Regional NCRA Offices in Bo, Kenema, Makeni, and Port Loko
For further assistance or information, individuals can contact the NCRA via:
– Mobile: +232 33 939740 / +232 79 578063
– Website: [www.ncra.gov.sl](http://www.ncra.gov.sl)
– Email: info@ncra.gov.sl
The NCRA also provides corporate issuance of Biometric ID Cards for both public and private institutions.
As Sierra Leone moves towards a more secure and efficient identification system, the importance of collecting the Biometric ID Card and linking the NIN to SIM cards cannot be overstated. These measures are central to the government’s broader strategy of enhancing national security, protecting identities, and improving service delivery. The NCRA remains committed to facilitating these processes and ensuring that every eligible individual takes the necessary steps to secure their identity and access essential services.
