By Amin Kef (Ranger)
With the clock ticking towards the looming deadline of March 31, 2024, citizens and non-citizens alike are urged to take prompt action in obtaining their Biometric ID Cards issued by the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), as failure to do so risks being left out of crucial services and compliance with legal mandates.
Recognizing the significance of this deadline, authorities stress the importance of acting swiftly to avoid last-minute rushes. The mandate for acquiring these ID cards stems from a collaborative effort among the NCRA, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), and the Office of National Security (ONS), as per a Cabinet Directive ratified by Parliament in March 2022.
The directive requires mandatory linkage of Identification Cards (National, Non-National, and ECOWAS) with the National Identification Number (NIN) for accessing essential services, including financial transactions, vehicle registration, public and private institution recruitment, and more.
According to officials, obtaining National and Non-National ID Cards is obligatory, while the ECOWAS ID Card is optional. Joint efforts aim to ensure compliance with the Cabinet Directive and its Parliamentary Ratification, effective April 1, 2024, emphasizing the importance of reliable identification for all residents to maintain national security and consistency in personal information.
Authorities appeal to the public to initiate the ID card acquisition process immediately, utilizing designated registration centers across the country. These centers, including six specific offices and mobile units deployed to remote areas, aim to facilitate widespread access to identification services.
For those unable to visit physical centers, online registration options are available. Additionally, specialized corporate services are provided for organizations and institutions.
As the deadline approaches, securing Biometric ID Cards not only ensures compliance with legal mandates but also contributes to a more connected, transparent, and prosperous Sierra Leone. Don’t wait until the last minute; act now and skip the queue.
It should be noted that the NCRA has established several registration centers nationwide to streamline this process. These centers, along with six designated offices strategically located across the country for easy access, aim to facilitate the ID registration process. The designated centers are as follows:
- 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 tailored for organizations and institutions. For detailed information regarding these services, interested parties can contact us at the following numbers: +232-33-433-333, +232-30-500-000, +232-60-000, +232-78-221-812, or via email at idverification@ncra.gov.
To ensure accessibility for all residents, mobile registration units will be deployed to remote areas. Moreover, online registration options will be provided for those unable to visit a physical registration center.
It is hoped that by embracing the ID Cards, Sierra Leoneans will contribute to forging a more connected, transparent, and prosperous nation.
