By Amin Kef (Ranger)
It is now within the public domain that the deadline for citizens and non-citizens to secure or obtain the Biometric Identification (ID) Cards currently being issued by the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) is the 31st March, 2024.
This notification came in the wake of a collaborative agreement among the NCRA, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and the Office of National Security (ONS) to robustly embark on implementing a Cabinet Directive Ratified by Parliament in March, 2022.
The Cabinet Directive provides for the mandatory link of the Identification Cards (National, Non-National and ECOWAS) with the National Identification Number (NIN) inscribed on the ID Cards to access services that includes: Transactions with Financial Institutions (Banks, Forex Bureau, Insurance, etc), Vehicle Registration and Licensing, Recruitment into Public and Private Institutions for consistency in personal information and verification, NASSIT Enrolment, Land and Property Registration, Enrolment into Educational Institutions including Public Exams, Sim Card Registration, Vital Events Registration, Immigration Services, Residence/Work Permits, Business Registration and Incorporation.
It pursuit of that cause the three entities have made it abundantly clear that it is advisable for citizens and non-citizens to obtain any of the Identification Cards (National, Non-National and ECOWAS) as may be applicable from any of the NCRA Offices or other Centres designated for issuance of ID Cards across the country by Friday, 31s March, 2024.
According to them, the National and Non-National ID Cards are mandatory while ECOWAS ID Card is optional stressing how they will jointly collaborate to enforce compliance with the aforementioned Cabinet Directive and its Parliamentary Ratification effective 1s April, 2024.
They further stated that such is to ensure that all residents (citizens and foreign) are reliably identified and have consistency in their personal information irrespective of the use or purpose further maintaining how Identification Cards bearing the National Identification Numbers (NIN) is by law the primary source of personal identification in Sierra Leone.
Abdulai Caulker, the National Security Coordinator, stated, “Every resident in Sierra Leone must have a National Identity Card as it not only helps in identifying individuals accurately but also plays a vital role in maintaining national security.”
William Sellu, the Inspector General of Police, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Having a standardized form of identification will greatly assist law enforcement in carrying out their duties effectively and efficiently.”
They called on all to begin the process of obtaining their identity cards as soon as possible to avoid any last-minute rush. The NCRA has set up various registration centres across the country to facilitate this process.
Designated centers and six specific offices have been opened throughout the country in locations that are easily accessible as part of efforts to facilitate the ID registration process. The centres are:
- NCRA Headquarters: 2 Walpole Street, Freetown.
2. NCRA Office: 23B Off Kingharman Road, Freetown.
3. NCRA Office: Kennedy Street, Freetown.
4. NCRA Branch Office: 230 Lumley Road, Freetown (By the Round- About).
5. NCRA Office: Waterloo along the Freetown High Way (Opposite the Police Station).
6. NCRA Offices: Regional Headquarter Towns of Bo, Kenema, Makeni, and Port Loko.
The NCRA has also introduced specialized corporate services designed for organizations and institutions. For detailed information on these services, interested parties can reach out to the following contact numbers: +232-33-433-333, +232-30-500-000, +232-60-000, +232-78-221-812, or via email at idverification@ncra.gov
Mobile registration units will be deployed to remote areas to ensure that every resident, no matter where they are located, has access to this essential form of identification. Additionally, online registration options will be made available for those who are unable to visit a physical registration centre.
It is hoped that through embracing the ID Cards, Sierra Leoneans will pave the way towards a more connected, transparent, and prosperous nation.
