By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) is stepping up its campaign to require all individuals in Sierra Leone, both citizens and non-citizens, to obtain Biometric ID Cards at designated centers across the nation. These ID cards, which feature a unique National Identification Number (NIN), are designed to enhance identity verification, facilitate access to essential services and help prevent fraudulent activities.
In tandem with this initiative, the NCRA is urging all mobile phone users to link their NINs to their SIM cards between September 1 and November 30, 2024. This Government-mandated action aims to safeguard personal identities and curb the misuse of mobile services for illicit purposes. Those who fail to complete this linkage within the specified timeframe may face disruptions in their mobile services, including the inability to make or receive calls, send SMS messages or perform mobile money transactions.
The Biometric ID Card is not merely a form of identification but a critical advancement in managing and securing personal identities. Each card is issued with a distinct NIN, ensuring individual uniqueness and bolstering efforts to combat identity theft and fraud, which are becoming more prevalent in today’s digital landscape.
Additionally, the Biometric ID Card has become a prerequisite for accessing a variety of public and private services in Sierra Leone. Recent Cabinet decisions stipulate that the ID card must be presented for activities such as banking, where it provides an extra layer of security against fraud. Law enforcement agencies also use these cards for precise identification at checkpoints throughout the country.
The card’s significance extends to the educational sector as well. Students are now required to present their Biometric ID Cards to be eligible for national examinations like the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). This requirement aims to verify candidates and uphold the integrity of the examination process by minimizing the risk of impersonation.
To facilitate easy access, the NCRA has set up numerous registration and collection centers nationwide, 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 (Near 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 inquiries, individuals can reach the NCRA at:
– 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 offers corporate Biometric ID Card issuance services for public and private institutions.
As Sierra Leone advances toward a more secure and efficient identification system, linking NINs to SIM cards is a crucial element of the government’s strategy to enhance national security, protect personal identities, and improve service delivery. The NCRA is dedicated to supporting these processes and ensuring that all eligible individuals take the necessary steps to secure their identities and access essential services.
