By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) has announced the temporary suspension of biometric registration for new applicants aged 12 and above due to mandatory maintenance on its National Automated Biometrics Identification System (ABIS). In a public notice dated October 11, 2024 and signed by NCRA’s Director General, Mohamed M. Massaquoi, the Authority highlighted that the maintenance is essential to address technical issues resulting from frequent power outages.
The ABIS Engine, a critical component of the National Identification Management System (IDMS), is responsible for the biometric de-duplication process and the assignment of the National Identification Number (NIN). Due to the ongoing maintenance, new registrations requiring biometric or fingerprint details have been paused until further notice.
Despite the temporary suspension for those aged 12 and above, the NCRA assured the public that all other routine services remain fully operational. This includes the issuance of ID cards, registration of minors (children under 12), the provision of identity documents and credentials for already-registered individuals, ID verification and authentication, updates to personal information and services related to births, deaths, marriages, divorces and adoptions.
The NCRA emphasized that the maintenance, though temporarily disruptive to new biometric registrations, is necessary to ensure the reliability and efficiency of the Authority’s services in the long run. The Authority further clarified that the suspension only affects first-time registrants aged 12 and older, with no impact on those who are already registered.
The NCRA has reassured the public that once the maintenance is complete, biometric registration services for new applicants will be promptly restored. Citizens and non-citizens residing in Sierra Leone are encouraged to visit any of the NCRA’s offices, centres or outlets during their regular hours, from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., to access other available services.
The NCRA remains committed to delivering uninterrupted civil registration and identity management services across the country and will inform the public as soon as the system maintenance is concluded.
