By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The National Identification Card in Sierra Leone has transformed from a mere identification document to a crucial element of legal identity, offering a multitude of benefits. Its role in identity verification is particularly significant within the financial sector and various transactions.
Biometric Identity Cards are now widely recognized in Sierra Leone as a reliable solution for resolving identity issues in critical situations, such as confirming citizenship status or accessing essential services. These cards, issued to both nationals and non-nationals, feature unique chips containing biometric data to ensure precise identity verification.
The National Civil Registration Authority of Sierra Leone (NCRA) is urging citizens and residents to obtain the biometric national ID cards introduced early last year. X Infotech provides personalization for the cards with ICAO-compliant biometrics and public key infrastructure for signing data, according to a company case study.
The campaign aims to enhance personal security for cardholders and facilitate easier access to Government and private sector services. Citizens who have reached the age of 12 are eligible for the card and can apply at any NCRA branch in their district. The government hopes to see an increase in registrants throughout 2024.
It must be noted that the NCRA is emphasizing the importance of the highly secure and innovative ID card, urging citizens to fulfill their civil responsibility by obtaining it.
The ID card, embedded with a chip carrying the holder’s facial biometric information, enables easy ID authentication. It also includes an 11-digit National Identification Number (NIN), acting as a unique identifier linked to the cardholder’s personal details in the national population registry. The NIN is now a requirement for primary education students preparing for public examinations and for those traveling around the country.
Each Biometric ID Card’s unique NIN links individuals’ records in the National Identity Database for life, improving personal security and differentiating individuals with identical names. The NCRA highlights the card’s crucial role in enhancing personal security and facilitating access to services from both government and private sectors.
Mohamed M. Massaquoi, Director General of the NCRA, underscores the necessity of obtaining the National Identification Card, urging citizens to apply before the March 31, 2024 deadline. Residents aged 12 and older can obtain their cards at designated NCRA centers, while non-citizens must apply for the Non-National ID Card for relevant permits.
To ensure accessibility, the NCRA has established offices and centers nationwide, including its Headquarters and regional offices in Bo, Kenema, Makeni, and Port Loko. Specific NCRA locations include:
- NCRA Headquarters: 2 Walpole Street, Freetown
- NCRA Office: 23B Off Kingharman Road, Freetown
- NCRA Office: Kennedy Street, Freetown
- NCRA Branch Office: 230 Lumley Road, Freetown (By the Roundabout)
- NCRA Office: Waterloo along the Freetown Highway (Opposite the Police Station)
- NCRA Offices: Regional Headquarters in Bo, Kenema, Makeni, and Port Loko
Citizens and non-citizens are encouraged to act promptly as time goes by. Law enforcement officials stress the importance for compliance and smooth access to services.
For more information about obtaining Biometric Identity Cards, individuals can contact the NCRA at +232-33-433-333, +232-30-500-000, +232-78-221-812, or via email at idverification@ncra.gov.
Sierra Leoneans are urged to prioritize obtaining their Biometric ID Cards, recognizing their importance in enhancing security and contributing to national development. The NCRA’s initiative aligns with the Government’s commitment to fostering a safer, more efficient and accessible environment for all.
