By Amin Kef (Ranger)
It is high time for Citizens and Non-Citizens to desist from sitting on the fence and instead get onboard to ensure that they secure the Biometric ID Cards that are now issued right across the country by the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA). It is important to realize that such a move is very crucial at this material time when cognizance is taken of the fact that a deadline has been set to do so and it is the 31st March, 2024.
For some it may appear that there is still time to make the wise decision by undertaking the positive move but knowing how time flies and that procrastination is the thief of time, it is but prudent to ensure doing so now as a stitch in time saves nine.
Somebody recently commented that Citizens and Non-Citizens should not be forced to obtain the Biometric ID Cards but it must be equally said that such an expressed view is totally erroneous against the backdrop that urging Citizens and Non-Citizens cannot be tantamount to forcing them but informing them of the fulfillment of a statutory responsibility or obligation.
It must be made known that the reason why this medium is highlighting the importance for Citizens and Non-Citizens to make the necessary move fulfill this obligation is because there was a recent 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 which made provision 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.
These  three public 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.
They underscored how  the National and Non-National ID Cards are mandatory while ECOWAS ID Card is optional stressing that they have jointly collaborated to enforce compliance with the aforementioned Cabinet Directive and its Parliamentary Ratification effective 1s April, 2024.
According to them, 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.
The National Security Coordinator  at the Office of National Security (ONS) Abdulai Caulker maintained that, “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.”
On his part, the Inspector General of Police, William Sellu, averred that: “Having a standardized form of identification will greatly assist law enforcement in carrying out their duties effectively and efficiently.”
They joined the NCRA to make a passionate appeal to all and sundry concerned to begin the process of obtaining their Identity Cards as soon as possible to avoid any last-minute rush.
It must be noted that 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:
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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.
