Citizens Must Prioritize Securing National Biometric ID Cards as a Civic Obligation  

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Citizens must prioritize, as a civic obligation, to obtain National Biometric ID Cards as the nation is nearing the conclusion of its extensive drive to ensure widespread acquisition of Biometric ID Cards, aiming to bolster personal security and streamline local transactions.

Commendably, the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) has spearheaded this initiative, advocating for the adoption of these advanced identity cards equipped with cutting-edge verification systems.

Introduced earlier this year, the Biometric ID Cards mark a pivotal stride towards fortifying safety and simplifying day-to-day interactions across the nation. Beyond mere identification, these cards serve as secure repositories for personal data, promising improved access to essential services while safeguarding individual rights. They symbolize not just  cards but a gateway to an expansive future, a sentiment underscored by the NCRA.

With mandatory usage at checkpoints nationwide, these innovative cards assure citizens of seamless and secure transactions, offering convenience for all cardholders. Against such a backdrop,the NCRA strongly urges individuals to acquire their National ID Cards from strategically positioned branches across Sierra Leone.

Notably, the National Identification Number (NIN) is now a compulsory requirement for pupils in public examinations classes (NPSE, BECE, and WASSCE).

The National ID Card stands as a legal identity document for both Citizens and Non-Citizens residing in Sierra Leone, featuring the NIN as one of its core security attributes. Individuals aged 12 years and above can visit their nearest NCRA Office in their respective Districts to apply for the National ID Card.

To simplify the application procedure, specific NCRA Offices and designated Centers have been established in key locations:

1. 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.

Moreover, the NCRA has tailored corporate services for various entities like Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), Foreign Missions, and Financial Institutions. Interested parties can access details about these services by contacting specific numbers or via EMAIL: idverification@ncra.gov.

The implementation of biometric national identity cards aligns with the Government’s commitment to fostering a safer, more efficient and accessible environment for all Sierra Leoneans.

Citizens are, therefore, urged to prioritize obtaining their ID cards from designated centers, recognizing their vital role in individual identification and national participation.