Speaking on a recent joint public notice issued by the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), the Office of National Security (ONS) and the Sierra Leone Police, which urged all citizens and foreign nationals residing in Sierra Leone to obtain Biometric National ID Cards before the official deadline of August 31, 2025, the NCRA’s Director of Communications, Information and Education, Abu Bakarr Javombo, provided further clarity on the ongoing production and issuance process.
Appearing on Liberty Online TV’s Breakfast Show on Thursday, August 7, 2025, Abu Bakarr Javombo emphasized that Biometric ID Card production and distribution are currently ongoing across the country. He noted that while a significant number of people have already obtained ID Cards, there is still a sizable number to do so.
To facilitate access, Abu Bakarr Javombo explained that the NCRA has decentralized the process. Beyond its existing district offices, mobile outreach teams have been deployed to towns, districts and remote chiefdoms to reach individuals who might otherwise face transportation or accessibility challenges.
Clarifying the basis for the August 31 deadline, Abu Bakarr Javombo stated that it was a decision of the Cabinet, subsequently approved by Parliament in 2022. The policy mandates that all citizens and non-citizens residing in the country must obtain Biometric ID Cards to access essential services, including acquiring a passport, registering SIM cards, opening bank accounts or securing public sector employment.
While highlighting the success of the initiative, Abu Bakarr Javombo acknowledged that minor delays have been encountered in rural areas, mainly due to poor internet connectivity and power supply issues. He assured the public that the NCRA has measures in place to swiftly address such challenges.
He also pointed out that discrepancies in applicants’ personal information sometimes slow down the process. “Identity management becomes problematic when the right information is not provided,” Abu Bakarr Javombo noted, urging registrants to ensure that their details are accurate and consistent.
On the cost of obtaining the ID Card, Abu Bakarr Javombo clarified that while the base fee remains affordable, an additional fee of seventy-five Leones may be charged in remote areas to support logistical expenses like fuel and transport for mobile teams. He emphasized that all revenue collected is remitted directly into the Government of Sierra Leone’s Consolidated Revenue Fund.
Dispelling misinformation, Abu Bakarr Javombo stressed that the NCRA does not operate checkpoints. Instead, it is the role of the Sierra Leone Police, under existing laws, to enforce identity checks for national security purposes.
In closing, Abu Bakarr Javombo reiterated the NCRA’s commitment to ensuring that every eligible individual obtain the Biometric ID Card. He encouraged citizens and foreign residents to act promptly. “The Biometric ID Card is more than just a means of identification; it is essential for accessing services and participating fully in national life,” Abu Bakarr Javombo concluded.