By Amin Kef (Ranger)
During the Ministry of Information and Civic Education Press Conference held on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, the Director General of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), Mohamed M. Massaquoi, emphasized the mandatory nature of obtaining the National Identification Card underscoring that with the deadline set for March 31st, 2024, citizens are urged to acquire these cards promptly.
Assuring citizens of a smooth and expedited process for obtaining their ID cards, the Director General noted that the National Identification Card includes each citizen’s unique National Identification Number (NIN) and serves as a vital document that enables access to social services and aid Government planning initiatives.
The Minister of Information Furthermore, Chernor Bah, stressed the importance of revenue mobilization highlighting its role in funding Government initiatives, including salary increases and development projects.
In contemporary Sierra Leone, the National ID Card transcends being a mere piece of plastic as it stands as a cornerstone of legal identity, incorporating biometric data to offer multifaceted benefits beyond basic identification.
One significant advantage lies in the card’s role in identity verification, facilitating access to Government services and streamlining processes within the financial sector. Additionally, recent developments mandate the NIN for state land transactions and access to essential services within certain ministries and agencies.
For residents aged 12 and above obtaining the National ID Card is a straightforward process, with the positioning of designated NCRA centers across the country facilitating issuance. Non-citizens must also apply for the Non-National ID Card for resident and work permits.
It’s imperative to note that the National ID Card features a unique NIN, linking individual records within the National Identity Database, and is now required for pupils in public examination classes.
To ensure accessibility, specific NCRA offices and designated centers have been established across Sierra Leone, offering corporate services tailored to various entities, ultimately promoting efficiency in identity verification processes.
The designated 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 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 thorough information regarding these services, individuals can reach out to us using any of the following phone numbers: +232-33-433-333, +232-30-500-000, +232-60-000, +232-78-221-812, or via email at idverification@ncra.gov.
Given the impending deadline of March 31, 2024, for acquiring ID Cards, it is highly advised for both citizens and non-citizens to take prompt action. Law enforcement authorities have emphasized the significance of meeting this deadline to evade eleventh-hour rushes.
