By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a move to bolster national security and streamline access to essential services, the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) of Sierra Leone has renewed its call for citizens and residents to acquire biometric national ID cards. Introduced in early 2023, these advanced identification cards aim to enhance personal security while offering easier access to both Government and private sector services.
The personalization of the cards, which feature ICAO-compliant biometrics and cutting-edge public key infrastructure (PKI) for data security, is provided by X Infotech, a global leader in secure identity solutions. This initiative forms part of Sierra Leone’s broader national digital transformation agenda.
The NCRA has announced that all citizens aged 12 and above are eligible for the cards. Citizens can apply at any of the designated NCRA branches across the country, including newly established centers in regional headquarter towns such as Bo, Kenema, Makeni and Port Loko. The Government has also opened six additional offices in easily accessible locations to facilitate the registration process.
As part of its 2024 goals, the NCRA is intensifying efforts to increase the number of registered individuals. The Authority emphasizes that obtaining a Biometric ID Card is not only a personal security measure but also a civil responsibility for all citizens.
The NCRA has highlighted the critical role the biometric ID cards will play in improving the nation’s security infrastructure. Equipped with an embedded chip that stores facial biometric data, the cards allow for easy authentication and verification. Each card also contains an 11-digit National Identification Number (NIN), which serves as a unique identifier linked to personal details in the national population registry.
The NIN is a requirement for students in primary education preparing for public examinations, as well as for individuals travelling within the country. Furthermore, the biometric ID cards could be mandatory at all checkpoints across Sierra Leone to enhance national security and ensure the proper identification of travelers.
The NCRA has issued three types of biometric ID cards:
- National ID Cards: For Sierra Leonean citizens aged 12 and above.
- ECOWAS ID Cards: For citizens of ECOWAS member States.
- Non-National ID Cards: For foreign residents, which are now mandatory for obtaining work and residence permits.
According to a mandate passed by Parliament, foreign nationals residing in Sierra Leone must obtain Non-National ID Cards and their access to essential services will be contingent upon the NIN embedded within these cards.
The Biometric ID Cards come equipped with multiple layers of security, including fingerprint scans and facial recognition technology, which significantly reduce the risk of identity fraud. “The primary goal of introducing these advanced Biometric ID Cards is to enhance both national and individual security,” an NCRA official said. The cards provide robust verification measures, ensuring that businesses and Government institutions are protected from the financial and reputational risks associated with identity theft.
In addition to improving security, the cards are essential for accessing a variety of services, such as opening bank accounts or collecting remittances from foreign exchange bureaus. This standardized identification process ensures a secure, streamlined approach to service access across all sectors.
In a further step to enhance security, the Government has mandated that all mobile phone users in Sierra Leone must link their NINs to their SIM cards by November 30, 2024. Failure to comply will result in service deactivation. This initiative is designed to combat cybercrime and identity theft, strengthening the country’s control over its communication networks.
The ongoing registration process is available at various NCRA offices across Sierra Leone, including key locations in Freetown:
– NCRA Headquarters, 2 Walpole Street
– NCRA Office, 23B Off Kingharman Road
– NCRA Office, Kennedy Street
– NCRA Branch Office, 230 Lumley Road (By the Round & About)
– NCRA Office, Waterloo, along the Freetown Highway (Opposite the Police Station)
These offices, along with branches in other regional towns, offer a range of corporate services for public and private entities.
The biometric ID card rollout represents a significant advancement in Sierra Leone’s efforts to secure its borders, protect citizens and streamline service delivery. By embracing this innovative identification system, the Government is reaffirming its commitment to national security, digital transformation and the well-being of its people. With the continued expansion of this program, Sierra Leone is positioning itself for a more secure and efficient future, where access to vital services is guaranteed for all.
