By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Securitized and Multi-purpose Biometric Identity Cards that are now issued across the country at the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) Offices and designated centers fall in various categories that include: National Identity Cards – For Sierra Leoneans only aged 12 and above, ECOWAS ID Cards – On demand for Sierra Leoneans and ECOWAS citizens and Non-National ID Cards Mandatory for all foreign residents in Sierra Leone.
Noteworthy is that following a Parliamentary Ratification of the ID Card Agreement that tied access to various services to the National Identification Number (NIN), Foreign Applicants for Work and Residence Permits must present their Non-National ID Cards which include their NIN at the relevant Ministry or Department for processing.
Also, the importance as a patriotic and smart citizen to make all necessary moves to secure the national Biometric ID Card has been highlighted if not overstated with emphasis on how it is an essential document to verify that you one is a bona fide citizen of Sierra Leone. Besides, to save oneself from embarrassment like being denied access to open a bank account, withdraw money from the bank and even at Foreign Bureaus, it is prudent to contact any NCRA office and secure one.
Key to reiterate is that the campaign for the securing of the ID Cards is intended to enhancing holders’ personal security and as well enable them to easily have access to Government and private sector services.
All citizens who have attained the age of 12 are eligible to secure Biometric ID Cards and can visit any of NCRA’s nearest branches or designated centers in various districts for an application.
To facilitate the process, designated centers and six specific offices have also been opened throughout the country, and locations that are easily-accessible.
The ID Cards are intended to not only streamline the way individuals access public services but to also contribute to the security architecture which the West African country is trying to build.
Significantly, the Biometric ID Cards contain embedded chips that carry biometric information of holders to enable easy ID authentication. Each has an 11-digit National Identification Number (NIN) which acts as a unique identifier linked to the personal details of the card holder in the national population registry. Officials say the NIN will henceforth be a requirement for students of the primary education sector preparing to take pubic examinations.
These Biometric ID Cards are required at all of the country’s checkpoints for those travelling around the country.
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 that was set to do so 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.
To ensure accessibility, the NCRA has established specific offices and centers across key locations:
- 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.
In a bid to enhance accessibility, the NCRA has introduced corporate services tailored for organizations and institutions. For comprehensive information on these corporate services, interested parties can contact the following numbers: +232-33-433-333 / +232-30-500-000 / +232-60-000 / +232-78-221-812 or via EMAIL: idverification@ncra.gov.
