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AGL Affirms Long-Term Commitment to Sierra Leone’s and Africa’s Development

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a momentous brand presentation ceremony held on Thursday 25th January, 2024 at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel on Aberdeen in Freetown, Africa Global Logistics (AGL) reinforced its steadfast dedication to the progress of Sierra Leone and the broader African continent. The group, boasting a workforce exceeding 23,000 across 49 countries, serves as a pivotal link connecting Africa to global markets.

AGL, relying on its 250 subsidiaries in Africa, Haiti, and Timor, positions itself as a vital player in providing holistic port, ocean, logistics, and railway solutions. These subsidiaries form the backbone of AGL’s operations, facilitating unparalleled logistics services to drive economic activities in Sierra Leone and beyond.

Bertrand Kerguelen, AGL’s Country Manager, highlighted the company’s commitment to delivering tailor-made logistics solutions, tailored to the unique needs of its clients. The long-term commitment to Sierra Leone and the desire to contribute to national development were emphasized, urging the workforce to unite for the country’s transformation.

Martin Maada George, Company Secretary of the Sierra Leone Port and Harbour Authority, recognized Freetown Terminal Limited’s role in economic development. The transition to AGL was acknowledged, expressing readiness for close collaboration to drive mutual success and position the partnership as a catalyst for Sierra Leone’s economic growth.

Captain Fabjanko Kokan, AGL’s Regional Manager, emphasized collaboration and unity while expressing gratitude to stakeholders. AGL’s commitment to continued investment, especially in human capital, was underscored. The success of AGL was attributed to empowering its workforce, emphasizing the pivotal role of human capital in achieving lasting change.

The brand presentation ceremony not only affirmed AGL’s dedication to Sierra Leone but also highlighted the significance of collaboration in achieving sustainable progress. AGL, with its extensive network, commitment to tailored solutions, and emphasis on human capital, stands poised to play a crucial role in propelling economic development and shaping the future of Sierra Leone and the African continent.

As a company deeply rooted in African growth, AGL’s pledge to invest and contribute signifies a promising partnership for a brighter and more prosperous future. With unwavering commitment, AGL continues its impactful journey, contributing to the economic, social and infrastructural development of Sierra Leone and the broader African continent.

Paran Tarawallie Steps Aside for ACC’s Thorough Corruption Investigation

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a significant development, the Deputy Clerk of Parliament, Mohamed Lebbie, has assumed the role of Clerk of Parliament until further notice, as the embittered Hon. Paran Tarawallie has stepped aside amid ongoing corruption investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission into issues bordering on irregularities in the recruitment process involving his wife and the redundancy process of over hundred parliamentary staff.

As for now it is certain that the former substantive Clerk of Parliament, Hon. Umar Paran Tarawally, has stepped aside due to corruption allegations which runs contrary to an earlier statement made by the ACC Commissioner, Francis Ben Kaifala, that it is only the Court of Law that has the power to ask him to step aside and not the ACC as was purported by some.

Meanwhile, Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu, the Right Honourable Speaker of Parliament, on Thursday, January 25, 2024, in addressing the nation, elucidated Parliament’s stance in the wake of recent revelations of conflicts of interest, embezzlement, and corruption within the administration.

The Speaker, who had previously confirmed the said allegations on social media, sought forgiveness from the Sierra Leonean public, expressing collective regrets and assuring that such mistakes would not be repeated.

In a statement explaining Parliament’s position, Dr. Abass Bundu acknowledged the lapses in the dignity and decorum of the legislative body, emphasizing the need for MPs to apologize to the citizens for breaching their trust. The apology followed a meeting between the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party’s Members of Parliament leadership and President Julius Maada Bio, who assured them of addressing the issues within Parliament.

Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu commenced his address by extending New Year wishes to Parliament members and delving into the challenges faced. He lamented that the Parliament’s reputation suffered due to a perceived decline in dignity and decorum, resulting in public criticism and denigration.

The Speaker acknowledged the ongoing investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission into the Clerk of Parliament, advising restraint in discussing the matter until the investigation concludes. Regarding himself, Dr. Abass Bundu attempted to clarify misconceptions, likening his role to that of a referee in a soccer game, emphasizing the importance of impartiality.

Addressing accusations on social media, the Speaker refuted claims of being a predator and filed complaints with the Police and the Independent Media Commission. He clarified the accessibility of his office, dispelling fears of secrecy and urging MPs, especially women, not to hesitate in seeking guidance.

Dr. Abass Bundu emphasized the harmonious working relationship between the Speaker and the Clerk of Parliament, dismissing rumors of discord. He reiterated their joint responsibility within the Parliamentary Commission, with the Speaker bearing ultimate responsibility for the entire Parliament.

As Sierra Leone grapples with the aftermath of this parliamentary scandal, the nation awaits further developments and reforms promised by the Speaker to restore trust and confidence in the legislative body.

Africell Angola Hosts U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken

Africell, the U.S.-owned mobile network operator in Africa on Thursday January 25, 2024, welcomed U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken to its Luanda office in Angola during his official visit to Angola. The visit underscored the growing economic and political engagement between the United States and Africa, particularly in the Southern African ‘Lobito Corridor’ region.

Secretary Blinken’s trip included stops in Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria, reflecting the United States’ commitment to strengthen partnerships on the continent. The visit to Africell’s headquarters in Luanda showcased the company’s role as a key player in the region’s digital communications landscape.

During the visit, Secretary Blinken engaged with representatives from various American businesses operating in Angola, focusing on technology, energy, consumer goods, and other sectors. He toured Africell’s state-of-the-art data center, a notable achievement in secure technology within the African telecommunications sector. Additionally, he explored 10A, a high-tech gallery and art space dedicated to Angolan creativity and cultural collaboration, established by the Africell Impact Foundation.

Africell’s presence in Angola dating back to April 2022, with its mobile money platform, Afrimoney, garnering nearly five and a half million customers, is equivalent to over 20% of the total market share. The company, also operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, and Gambia, supports both U.S. and local interests by prioritizing secure network infrastructure, generating skilled jobs, promoting financial inclusion through its Afrimoney platform, and sponsoring artistic and cultural exchanges.

Secretary Blinken highlighted the strategic importance of the ‘Lobito Corridor’ in transforming the Southern African region into an attractive destination for U.S. and international investors, particularly in transportation, clean energy, and telecommunications. The corridor, encompassing Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, serves as a vital link to the Atlantic Ocean and holds transformative potential for the continent and the world.

In his remarks, Secretary Blinken echoed President Joseph Biden’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with Africa, emphasizing the interconnected futures, peoples, and prosperity of the United States and the African continent. He stated, “The United States is committed to working together to solve shared challenges and deliver on the promise and fundamental aspirations of our peoples.”

Ziad Dalloul, CEO, President, and Founder of Africell, expressed gratitude for hosting Secretary Blinken, saying, “Angola is an appealing place to do business, which is why we have invested in building a trusted and secure mobile telecommunications network. Secretary Blinken’s visit proves that the U.S. government has a similarly positive view of Angola’s potential and that of the other countries comprising the Lobito Corridor region.”

Africell remains a key player in the African telecommunications landscape, providing mobile network coverage to almost 20 million subscribers across Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia. As the only U.S.-owned mobile network operator in Africa, Africell continues to contribute to the continent’s social impact, entrepreneurial spirit, and secure technology, positioning itself as the ideal mobile partner for Africa’s future.

ACC Indicts Assistant University Finance Officer on 26 Counts of Corruption

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Sheku Abdulai Kamara, the Assistant Finance Officer at Eastern Technical University in Kenema, has been slammed with by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), in a Press Release dated January 26, 2024 26 counts of misappropriation of public funds. The charges are in violation of Section 36 (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 12 of 2008, as amended by the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2019.

The indictment alleges that Sheku Abdulai Kamara committed the offenses between January 2021 and December 2023 in Kenema, Eastern Region, Sierra Leone. The accused is charged with misappropriating a total of Seventy-Five Million, One Hundred and Sixty-Seven Thousand (Old) Leones (Le75,167,000), received as tuition fees from Twenty-One (21) students enrolled at Eastern Technical University.

Sheku Abdulai Kamara is scheduled to appear in the High Court of Sierra Leone, Holden at Kenema, on January 30, 2024.

The ACC emphasizes its commitment to combatting corruption within the public sector and at all levels throughout Sierra Leone. The Commission urges the general public to remain confident in its efforts to address corruption and maintain transparency within the country.

Indian High Commission Celebrates 75th Republic Day

Charge d’ Affaires (Cd’A) a.i.Neeraj Kumar Saini
Charge d’ Affaires (Cd’A) a.i.Neeraj Kumar Saini

The High Commission of India in Freetown celebrated the 75th Republic Day of India on 26 January 2024. Indian Charge d’Affaires (Cd’A) a.i.Neeraj Kumar Saini unfurled the Indian National Flag at a ceremony at the Chancery premises followed by reading of the address of the President of India to the nation.

This was followed by cultural performances consisting of patriotic speeches, dance performances and singing of patriotic songs by Indian diaspora members and children. Brahmakumari Sisters also addressed the gathering. A group of children from British International School in Freetown was also a part of the celebration to observe the event as their field study trip.

While addressing the gathering, Cd’A also conveyed the details of interaction of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi with students, teachers, and parents in the 07th edition of ‘Pariksha PeCharcha’ (Discussion on Exams) to be held on January 29, 2024. He urged parents, teachers, and students to watch the ‘Parikasha PeCharcha’ program to get techniques by Prime Minister of India to handle stress during exams, especially the students face in higher grades from 6th to 12th.

Over 140 guests including members of the Indian community members, friends of India and High Commission’s officials and their family members participated in the celebration. Refreshments along with Millets Special dishes were served after the function.

President Bio Champions Education as a Basic Right on International Day of Education

President, Julius Maada Bio, marked the International Day of Education on January 24, 2024, by emphasizing the significance of education as a human right. The national event, held under the theme “Learning for Lasting Peace,” took place in Bo City, following last year’s celebration at the Atouga Mini-Stadium east of the capital, Freetown.

The five-day celebration, which commenced on January 22, marked the sixth consecutive year of commemorations. The event brought together students from various schools across the country, government officials, stakeholders in the education sector, and local as well as international partners.

In his address, President Julius Maada Bio reiterated his government’s commitment to recognizing education as a human right, a public good, and a collective responsibility. Reflecting on his own education at Bo Government Secondary School, the President expressed nostalgia and gratitude, attributing his values of discipline, integrity, and purpose to the foundation laid during his school days.

“Education is a journey with no end,” President Bio declared. He highlighted the importance of preserving the communal spirit within the nation, emphasizing the role of communities as educational bastions that shape responsible and productive citizens.

Discussing the theme, “Learning for Lasting Peace,” President Bio stressed the need for a multifaceted approach to education, challenging harmful ideologies, bridging cultural divides, and instilling empathy and understanding in communities.

“Let us reaffirm our dedication to fostering an educational landscape that imparts knowledge and instills values of unity, respect, and empathy,” he urged, emphasizing the pivotal role of education in building a society where every voice is heard, every dream is valued, and every child has the opportunity to succeed.

Mokhlesur Rahman, Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank, commended Sierra Leone’s government for its commitment to education. Rahman described school-going pupils as the future leaders of the nation and expressed optimism that the event would further the government’s vision for quality education. He assured continued support from the World Bank, highlighting ongoing projects focused on education and skills development.

The event featured performances by the Milton Margai School for the Blind in Freetown and the Bo School for the Blind. National, regional, and district awards were presented to outstanding pupils in public examinations, along with recognition for deserving school authorities.

Caritas Freetown – JPC & Beneficiaries Reflect on Pre, Post Elections Ended Project

By Millicent Senava Mannah

Caritas Freetown’s Justice and Peace Commission, with support from Trocaire, has held a stakeholders’ engagement and closeout session on their “Preventing Violence Against Women and Promoting Women and People With Disabilities Participation in the 2023 General Elections” Project which benefited over 1,210 beneficiaries. This event was held on Friday 26th January 2024 at the Western Area Rural Council Hall, in Waterloo, Western Rural District.

It must be noted that the Commission, with funds provided by Trocaire, has implemented the one-year project  (February 2023 to January 2024)in fifteen communities in the Western Area  (during the pre and post electioneering processes); five in the Western Urban (Susan’s Bay, Culvert, Portee, Wellington Old Wharf & Calaba Town) and ten  in the Western Area Rural (Mongegba, Rogbangba, John Thorpe, Masantigie, Matainkay, Makonkonday, Newton, Fogbo, Tissana/Sattia and Tombo).

The Executive Director, Father Peter Konteh, intimated that an unexamined life is not worth living. According to him, after the implementation of the project, it is necessary for them to sit with the community people and reflect on their impact, lessons learnt and the strength that they should copy from the past implementation.

He continued that the Project was focused on elections, but not only on how to vote, but to give empowerment to women and disabled people so that they could participate with freeness and willingness to be in the process without discrimination.

“Today is a testimony or evidence of how it was done, on your own you could feel you were successful, but we need the community as a mirror as we assess that the impact was great,” Father Konteh stated.

The Project Manager, Caritas Freetown -Justice and Peace Commission, Eliza Sillah, giving the depth of the project, said the focus was to minimize and prevent political violence and all forms of violence against women in communities, and also to increase the participation of women as well as Persons with Disabilities in politics.

She maintained that one of the key objectives was empowering them with knowledge, on various electoral laws, the PR system, providing Civic Education on peace and non-violence participation.

“We also capacitate women and Persons with Disabilities to be able to contribute meaningful in their communities during elections.”

She highlighted some of the challenges they faced in implementing the project and according to her, one of which was the ideologies of political parties as well as civic rights, stressing that their loyalties  to political parties were stronger than adherence to their civic rights and responsibilities.

“This was very difficult, but we were able to overturn those ideologies to bring aspects of civic rights and responsibilities into the fabric of these communities,” she stated.

According to Sillah, having the persons with Disabilities piloted in the project was very key and relevant, because most of the assessment they did related to the distribution centers and the voting centers was challenging for some of the beneficiaries targeted for the project.

She revealed that support was also given to these PWDs in terms of accompanying them to collect their voters ID cards and also on the day of voting.

Eliza Sillah said the purpose of the gathering is to thank the various institutions/organizations for their invaluable supports (technical and moral) towards the successful implementation of the project.

The Program Officer, Trocaire, Eyitayo Adeniran, said women’s empowerment is one of the thematic areas of their institution, and that  women are the bedrock of the society, but there is are great challenges that they face, and one of them is segregation.

According to him, the project was designed as a pre and post elections project noting that hearing the testimonies and seeing the documentaries on the implementation of the project it is evidential that the project was successful.

Adeniran maintained that they are seeing lots of success stories, and it is very evident that there was an increased participation of women in politics.“A lot of people were not aware of their rights and about elections but the project enabled them to have that knowledge,” he revealed.. He encouraged beneficiaries to continue the process of preaching the peace and not to wait for another five years to start all over again.

Office of National Security, Senior Research Officer, Josephine M. Saffa, said they are working as a coordinating structure in the security sector in the country.  According to her, they value the project for the impact it created. She further emphasized the need for Trocaire to continue to fund the organization for them to implement more projects.

Ishmail G. Kamara, on behalf of the Persons with Disabilities commended the organization for including them in the project. He also recommended that, when implementing future projects, they must consider the different challenges amongst people of disabilities.

Mohamed Conteh of Culvert Community, giving the vote of thanks applauded the aforementioned organization and Trocaire for the timely implementation of the project lamenting that they are however sad that the project has come to an end.

On behalf of his fellow beneficiaries he pleaded that the project continues, stating how it has changed the lives of many youths who were in to violence in their communities and how the perception of many have also changed.

Eliza Sillah said that the testimonies of the beneficiaries show how successful the implementation of the project was and thanked Trocaire for their continued support and cooperation in creating a safe environment for women, PWDs and other vulnerable groups to participate in the electoral processes and access to justice.

The event ended with testimonies by beneficiaries, documentaries and success stories of the Project.

President Bio Briefed on K-Rice Belt Initiative for Enhanced Rice Production

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio was briefed on Friday, January 26, 2024, by a delegation from the K-Rice Belt Initiative of South Korea. The team, led by Jae-Hyeon Ryu, comprised agricultural experts who provided updates on their visit and outlined plans to bolster rice production, enhance food security, and reduce dependence on rice imports.

During the meeting, the team shared insights from their pre-feasibility study and site assessments, identifying Bo Manehun in the Bonthe District as a prime location due to its fertile land, expansive area, accessibility, and feasible water supply. The delegation informed the President that they would present their findings to the South Korean government, followed by necessary infrastructure improvements in the selected area to support the initiative.

The delegation assured President Bio that they would return to kickstart the implementation process, commencing with a comprehensive study. Effective implementation is expected to begin later this year.

President Julius Maada Bio expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration and highlighted the recent visit of the outgoing Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sierra Leone, His Excellency KIM Young Chae, who had informed him about the impending visit. The President emphasized the importance of the Sierra Leone-Korea relationship, particularly in the realm of food production.

President Bio expressed optimism that the Koreans would share their experiences and expertise, contributing to the local capacity building. He underscored the significance of knowledge transfer, urging active local involvement in all facets of the project. The President expressed his commitment to the initiative and pledged full government support, including infrastructure improvements such as roads leading to the selected sites.

The K-Rice Belt Initiative, launched by South Korea as part of its international aid and cooperation programs, aims to collaborate with several African countries to enhance rice production capabilities based on Korea’s success in rice cultivation and agricultural technology.

This visit follows discussions between President Bio and Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol during the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September the previous year. Subsequently, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, visited Korea to engage with Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok and the K-Rice Belt Initiative leadership, expressing Sierra Leone’s interest.

Sierra Leone’s formal application to join the initiative was approved by the Korean Government, leading to the formalization of the partnership through a memorandum of understanding signed on October 16, 2023, coinciding with the launch of FEED SALONE by President Bio.

According to the MoU, the K-Rice Belt Initiative aims to increase rice production by introducing high-yielding seed varieties, transfer technology and knowledge through advanced agricultural practices, and provide machinery and extension services. The initiative seeks to promote sustainable agricultural practices and ensure the long-term viability and resilience of rice cultivation in Sierra Leone.

NP-SL Remains Unbeatable in the Realm of Customer Care

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

It is an indisputable fact that the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) is not only synonymous with 1st for Customer Care but has remained unbeatable in enhancing such to the utmost satisfaction of its numerous customers across the country. As far as it is known, in that realm, no other indigenous business entity has come closer to the seasoned petroleum importing and marketing entity as it is a well known fact that in the first place the company identified it, as a good business model, nurtured it and streamed lined it in all its dealings with its numerous and esteemed customers. It worked and continues to work magic for the company.

For some mere words cannot convey the true meaning of NP-SL Ltd being considered as 1st in terms of Customer Care but, as they say, the taste of the pudding lies in its eating. For those in doubt, once NP-SL Ltd touches or treats a customer, he or she instantaneously realizes that the business entity is exceptional leaving the individual craving for more of the company’s highly grade petroleum products and qualitative services.

Without any exaggeration, indeed, the National Petroleum- Sierra Leone Limited, NP (SL-Ltd) deserves praise as a resilient business entity that had been internally as well as internationally rated as the country’s foremost and biggest importer and dealer in petroleum products, which includes petrol, diesel, gas as well as lubricants of various types and is always poised to give its ubiquitous and esteemed customers the best in terms of value for money.

The company’s competent and result-oriented Managerial Team, in tandem with the Board of Directors, have always endeavoured to be at the pinnacle of affairs within the petroleum landscape in this country, looking at best options, in order for effective service delivery to be executed timely, excellently, all geared towards enhancing good business relationships. If there is any outstanding feature for which the company is identified with then it is giving customers satisfaction to the fullest  which is why it has earned the enviable reputation of ‘1st for Customer Care’.

Prioritizing customer care is considered very paramount out of the strong conviction that the company will be nowhere without its cherished customers.

It is along that line that the company has a customer care unit that primarily interfaces with members of the public. Concerns and recommendations channeled through it are raised in certain Management meetings, discussed and the way forward mapped out.

Regarding their customers as priceless jewels, NP-SL Ltd always ensures giving them optimal satisfaction and that value must be derived from their monies spent.

It was thinking along that line that prompted the shareholders of the company to replace their old fashioned pumping machines with calibrated pumping machines of high standards of transparency, pumping the requisite quantity of petrol or diesel demanded for or bought. Confidence is now high among its customers that they are getting exactly what they are paying for.

Still within the domain of 1st for Customer Care, the company is always in position to enter into payment plans with its reliable and dependable customers, including Ministries, Departments and Agencies, private business entities for fuel and lubricants to be supplied as long as all the necessary modalities have been put in place. When cognizance is taken of the fact that some public institutions receive intermittent budgetary allocations then such an arrangement is very significant. Its significance in real terms borders on functional continuity of those institutions as they will be assured of supplies of petroleum products in as much as they keep honouring their obligations.

In this country today, for one to see a successful business entity that is owned mainly by Sierra Leoneans and having a maximum number of indigenes as members of staff is like trying to find a lost needle on the beach, although there are few that could be identified.

For NP-SL Ltd this has been a great achievement as the company is strongly adhering to the country’s Local Content Policy. Making use of local brains has been identified as one of the conduits through which developing countries like Sierra Leone could attain economic empowerment. Correspondingly, if there is a continuation of the colonial mentality that it is only by importing foreign ideas and skills that we will get there then such could be a very sad mistake.

By providing job opportunities for hitherto jobless Sierra Leoneans, NP-SL Ltd continues to help in alleviating poverty by putting monies into the pockets of local residents which could be utilized to take care of responsibilities. Also, contracting indigenous local firms to implement certain projects is also advantageous for national growth.

For those who have not tried NP Gas it is now time to give it a try. Designed in sizable varying cylinders and sold at various NP Filling Stations, this cooking device has been rated as one of the best that is on offer for sale. NP Gas is safe, user friendly and portable. Trying it will spur you to recommend it to others.

NP Smart Card is now in vogue and is one of the latest technological devices used to purchase petroleum products. Using it has attendant advantages as evident in procuring fuel at any time of the day even during times when monies could not be accessed from banks. It is secured, easy to use and very quick. It is now trending.

To crystallize proposed projects into tangible realities on the ground, Government needs the requisite financial resources to effectively do so and one sure way is from the collection of taxes which falls within the purview of the National Revenue Authority (NRA).  NP is indeed one of the biggest tax payers in the country and it had been very compliant in that direction.

It is crystal clear that NP-SL Ltd is not only synonymous with Customer Care but is doing all within its power and reach to give utmost satisfaction to its customers by offering them the best in terms of products and services.

Biometric ID Cards: A Solution to Identity Skepticism

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Biometric Identity Cards should now be deemed as the reliable panacea or solution to  the clarification of identity doubts during crucial moments when such are to be determined or ascertained as to whether a resident in Sierra Leone is a bona fide citizen or a non-citizen.  This is so because, besides the holders of the Biometric Cards being categorized as Nationals or Non-Nationals, the ID Cards are actually embedded with unique chips that contain biometric data of the holders’ special features or bio information. Because of those unique chips, containing individual information captured during prior registration processes, it is viably possible for identity verification to be done accurately.

Besides, the Biometric ID Cards also contain unique individual National Identification Numbers (NIN) that do identify persons for life. The NIN is used to link all records about a person in the National Identity Database and makes it easier to verify a person’s identity.

As a matter of fact the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) has categorically stated that the NIN is important because it can identify an individual even if there are multiple people with the same name. Equally so , it admonishes how it is important to secure the Biometric ID Cards as they can improve the personal security of citizens and put them at vantage positions to easily access Government and private sector services.

As of now, the NIN is a mandatory requirement for pupils in public examination classes in Sierra Leone and required for foreign nationals applying for work and residence permits.

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For the aforementioned reasons, it is but prudent for Sierra Leoneans to prioritize obtaining their Biometric ID Cards as the roles of those cards in enhancing personal security, gaining accessibility to essential public and private services cannot be over emphasized. As citizens and non-citizens obtaining the ID Cards is a statutory obligation as the unique National Identification Numbers (NINs) contain vital and unique information.

In order to facilitate the Biometric ID Card application process, specific NCRA Offices and designated centers have been established across Sierra Leone. It must  therefore be underscored that the designated centers and NCRA offices, strategically located throughout the country, offer accessibility for citizens to secure their Biometric National ID cards.

Worthy of note also is that the NCRA has introduced corporate services for organizations, further promoting accessibility and efficiency.

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:

1. 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 roundabout).
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.

It must be reiterated that to improve accessibility, the NCRA has 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.

It is essential to acknowledge the fact that fulfilling this civil responsibility is crucial for citizens and non-citizens.