By Amin Kef (Ranger)
With the June 28th deadline for obtaining Biometric ID Cards rapidly approaching, citizens across Sierra Leone are urgently appealing to the Director General of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, for an extension. The appeal underscores widespread concerns about the accessibility and availability of the ID cards crucial for accessing a range of essential services.
It could be recalled that Parliament enacted a legislation in March 2022 mandating the use of Biometric ID Cards, which contain unique National Identification Numbers (NINs), for accessing various services. These include business registration, school enrollment, land and property registration, acquiring driving licenses, NASSIT benefits, passports, work and resident permits, bank account operations, and SIM card registration.
Since President Dr. Julius Maada Bio launched the production and issuance of these multipurpose ID Cards in January 2023, demand has surged as citizens seek to comply with the new regulation and ensure reliable identification.
Citizens emphasize that their interests are paramount to the Government of President Julius Maada Bio, whose agenda Director General, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi has diligently pursued. They are requesting that the NCRA extend the deadline from June 28th to the end of the year, citing significant challenges in obtaining the cards.
These challenges include long queues at registration centers, limited appointment availability and fears of potential cost increases during the post-deadline.
It must be noted that to streamline the application process, the NCRA established specific offices and designated centers across the country. These facilities aim to ensure easy access for citizens seeking Biometric National ID Cards. The key locations include:
- 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)
- NCRA Offices: Regional Headquarters in Bo, Kenema, Makeni, and Port Loko
Additionally, the NCRA offers specialized corporate services to cater to the needs of organizations, enhancing accessibility and efficiency.
For further inquiries and assistance, individuals can contact the NCRA through the following numbers: +232-33-433-333, +232-30-500-000, +232-60-000, +232-78-221-812, or via email at idverification@ncra.gov.
The citizenry remains hopeful that the NCRA will heed their call and extend the deadline, ensuring that everyone has ample opportunity to obtain their Biometric ID Cards without undue stress or financial burden.
