By Amin Kef Sesay
In a move to bolster personal security, streamline public services and fortify national identity infrastructure, Sierra Leone is translating a transformative initiative centered around the issuance of Biometric National Identity Cards.
These cutting-edge cards, equipped with advanced features including a chip embedded with biometric data, are rapidly emerging as indispensable tools for citizens and non-citizens alike.
The initiative, spearheaded by the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), aims to provide citizens with a secure and multi-purpose form of identification that facilitates seamless access to government facilities, financial services, and other essential transactions. With an emphasis on security and efficiency, the Biometric National Identity Card promises to revolutionize identity verification processes while enhancing the overall security architecture of the country.
One of the key milestones in this initiative is the mandate by the NCRA for the use of National Identification Numbers (NIN) for pupils in public examination classes, underscoring the growing significance of the Biometric Identity Cards in the education sector. The cards are set to play a pivotal role in not only verifying identities but also in facilitating remote Know-Your-Customer (KYC) checks in the financial sector, thus bolstering efforts to combat fraud and enhance financial inclusion.
Highlighting the importance of this initiative, the NCRA has urged Sierra Leoneans to prioritize obtaining their Biometric ID Cards, citing its role in personal security, national development, and access to essential services. The institution emphasizes the statutory obligation and the unique National Identification Number (NIN) as pivotal security elements, urging citizens to fulfill their civil responsibility by acquiring the cards.
To facilitate the application process, the NCRA has established specific offices and designated centers across Sierra Leone, strategically located for easy accessibility.
Furthermore, in a bid to enhance accessibility and efficiency, the NCRA has introduced specialized corporate services tailored for organizations and institutions.
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.
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.
