By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) continues to emphasize the importance of citizens and non-citizens in Sierra Leone to obtain their Biometric ID Cards, a process that is currently ongoing at designated registration and collection centers across the country. The Biometric ID Card, which contains a unique National Identification Number (NIN), plays a crucial role in securing identities, enhancing access to public and private services and preventing identity fraud.
The Biometric ID Card is not just another form of identification. It represents a significant advancement in ensuring that every registered individual has a unique identity. The NIN embedded in the card is exclusively assigned to the cardholder, ensuring that no two individuals share the same number. This unique identification system is critical in preventing identity theft and fraud, which have become increasingly prevalent in today’s digital world.
In addition to identity security, the Biometric ID Card is now a requirement for accessing a wide range of services in Sierra Leone. Through a Cabinet decision, it has been mandated that both citizens and non-citizens must present their ID cards when seeking certain public and private services. This includes banking transactions, where the ID card provides an additional layer of security, reducing the risk of fraud and identity misrepresentation. Law enforcement agencies also require verification of the Biometric ID Card at various checkpoints across the country, ensuring that individuals can be accurately identified when necessary.
Furthermore, the Biometric ID Card is essential for eligibility to sit for various public exams. Students intending to take national examinations, such as the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), must now present their ID cards to be allowed to participate. This requirement not only helps in verifying candidates but also strengthens the integrity of the examination process by reducing the chances of impersonation.
Despite the critical importance of the Biometric ID Card, the NCRA has recently revealed that many individuals have yet to collect their ID cards, even after being notified via SMS when the cards were ready for collection. A significant number of these uncollected cards are currently sitting in district offices and collection centers across Sierra Leone. This situation has been attributed to several factors, including applicants providing incorrect or non-functional phone numbers during registration.
In some cases, applicants used the phone numbers of relatives or friends instead of their own, making it difficult for the NCRA to directly reach them with collection notifications. Additionally, outdated or non-operational phone numbers provided during registration have further complicated the notification process. As a result, many applicants remain unaware that their cards are ready for pickup.
The NCRA has therefore issued a call to all applicants who registered on or before July 31, 2024, urging them to visit the registration or collection point where they initially applied, even if they have not received an SMS notification. To facilitate smooth collection, applicants are advised to bring their ID card application slips, which will allow NCRA personnel to quickly locate their cards.
In a related development, the NCRA has also launched a broader initiative aimed at enhancing identity security by linking the National Identification Number (NIN) to mobile phone SIM cards. This initiative is part of the Government’s commitment to protecting citizens’ identities and ensuring that mobile phone services are not exploited for criminal activities.
The NCRA has announced that between September 1 and November 30, 2024, all mobile phone users must link their NIN to their SIM cards. Failure to do so could result in service disruptions, preventing individuals from making or receiving calls, sending SMS messages or conducting mobile money transactions. The move is designed to ensure that every active SIM card in Sierra Leone is linked to a verified identity, thereby enhancing security across the country’s communication network.
To streamline the collection process, the NCRA has established several registration and collection centers, 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 more information or assistance, the NCRA can be contacted through the following channels:
– 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 facilitates corporate issuance of Biometric ID Cards for both public and private institutions.
It must be noted that the Biometric ID Card stands out as a key tool for identity management and access to essential services. From banking security to eligibility for exams, the ID card serves multiple critical functions that impact the lives of citizens and non-citizens alike.
The ongoing collection process, coupled with the NIN-SIM card linkage initiative, highlights the Government’s broader strategy of enhancing national security, protecting identities, and improving service delivery. For these reasons, it is imperative that every eligible individual takes the necessary steps to obtain their Biometric ID Card. The NCRA remains committed to facilitating this process and ensuring that no one is left behind as the country moves towards a more secure and efficient identification system.
