By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Emerging developments continue to portray the significance in obtaining the National and Non-National Biometric Cards that has now positioned Sierra Leone making it as  a beacon of progress more especially in this age of rapid technological progress and a global focus on security.
The Biometric Identity Cards can be viewed as a transformative emergence that will enhance public life for both citizens and non-citizens. As was previously mentioned by this medium, Biometric Identity Cards helps in streamlining Government services and improve public administration efficiency. A standardized identification system ensures timely and organized service delivery, contributing to reduced bureaucracy, minimized corruption, and a more transparent Government.
Biometric Identity Cards also helps in streamlining Government services and improve public administration efficiency, spanning sectors from healthcare to education. A standardized identification system ensures timely and organized service delivery, contributing to reduced bureaucracy, minimized corruption, and a more transparent Government.
As recent as the 2nd February, 2024 the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning in Sierra Leone has introduced a set of new requirements for individuals seeking state land lease, freehold, grant, building permits, and land registration.
The move , according to the Ministry, comes as part of a broader initiative to overhaul the land management systems across the country and mitigate conflicts associated with land transactions.
In a public notice signed by the Senior Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands Housing and Country Planning, a directive, effective immediately, mandates that applicants must submit a copy of their National Identity Card, non-national ID card, or ECOWAS Identity Card containing the unique National Identification Number (NIN).
This directive, the Ministry said, Â is in accordance with Cabinet directives and parliamentary ratification from March 2022, which stipulated the mandatory linkage of the NIN inscribed on ID cards to access various services, including land and property registration.
The Ministry further said it aims to enhance transparency and streamline the land management process to minimize disputes.
It reminds the public  that National ID cards with NIN can be obtained at all National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) district offices and other designated centers/outlets throughout the country.
In that direction, the Ministry urges the general public to cooperate with these new requirements for a more efficient and transparent land management system.
It ended by stating that the reforms mark a significant step towards modernizing the land administration in Sierra Leone, and the Ministry emphasizes the importance of public cooperation in achieving a smoother and more accountable land transaction process.
Worthy of note is that designated centers and six specific offices have been opened throughout the country in locations that are easily-accessible, as part of efforts to facilitate the ID registration process. The centres are:
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NCRA Headquarters: 2 Walpole Street, Freetown.
2. NCRA Office: 23B Off Kingharman Road, Freetown.
3. NCRA Office: Kennedy Street, Freetown.
4. NCRA Branch Office: 230 Lumley Road, Freetown (By the Round about).
5. NCRA Office: Waterloo along the Freetown High Way (Opposite the Police Station).
6. NCRA Offices: Regional Headquarter Towns of Bo, Kenema, Makeni, and Port Loko.
The NCRA has introduced specialized corporate services designed for organizations and institutions. For detailed information on these services, interested parties can reach out to the following contact numbers: +232-33-433-333, +232-30-500-000, +232-60-000, +232-78-221-812, or via email at idverification@ncra.gov
Through embracing the ID Cards, Sierra Leoneans will pave the way towards a more connected, transparent, and prosperous nation.
