By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In Sierra Leone, the National Identity Card isn’t just a piece of plastic; it’s a cornerstone of legal identity. Serving citizens and non-citizens alike, this card, embedded with biometric data, offers benefits far beyond mere identification.
One crucial advantage of the National ID Card lies in its role in identity verification. Holders can effortlessly confirm their identity, gaining access to various Government social services. Moreover, integration with the financial sector enables remote Know-Your-Customer (KYC) checks, simplifying verification processes and reducing associated costs.
The electronic KYC feature not only enhances financial inclusion by facilitating efficient customer authentication but also plays a pivotal role in Sierra Leone’s economic and social development.
A recent development underscores the card’s importance: The National Identification Number (NIN) is now mandatory for State land transactions with the Ministry of Lands and Housing as well as for accessing other essential services within certain Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
For residents aged 12 and above, acquiring the National ID Card is a straightforward process; simply visit the nearest National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) centres where the Securitized Biometric Identity Cards are issued. Non-citizens must also apply for the Non-National ID Card for resident and work permits.
Obtaining the National Biometric ID Card isn’t just a recommendation but a civic responsibility crucial for personal security and simplified transactions. The NCRA has been emphasizing widespread adoption to bolster national security measures.
It must be highlighted that featuring a unique NIN, the National ID Card serves as a vital legal identity document, with the 11-digit number linking individual records within the National Identity Database. The ID Card is mandated for use at checkpoints nationwide and are now required for pupils in public examination classes.
To facilitate accessibility, specific NCRA offices and designated centres have been set up across Sierra Leone where corporate services are also offered, tailored for various entities geared towards promoting efficiency.
The designated 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 comprehensive details on these services, interested parties can contact us via the following phone numbers: +232-33-433-333, +232-30-500-000, +232-60-000, +232-78-221-812, or through email at idverification@ncra.gov.
With the approaching deadline of March 31, 2024 for obtaining the ID Cards, both citizens and non-citizens are strongly encouraged to act swiftly. Law enforcement authorities have stressed the importance of meeting this deadline in order to avoid last-minute rushes.
