NCRA Encourages Citizens & Residents To Get Their Biometric ID Cards

The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) has issued a public notice urging both citizens and non-citizens in Sierra Leone to obtain their Identification Cards. This call comes as the NCRA emphasizes the importance of compliance with biometric ID cards containing National Identification Numbers (NINs) for accessing essential services across various sectors.

In a directive to heads of state institutions, the NCRA mandated the enforcement of these biometric ID cards for services including financial transactions, vehicle registration, public and private sector recruitment and many more. This initiative aims to streamline service delivery and enhance national security.

The NCRA outlined the services requiring the presentation of ID cards, which include:

* Transactions with financial institutions.

* Vehicle registration and licensing.

* Recruitment in public and private sectors.

* NASSIT enrollment.

* Land and property registration.

* Enrollment in educational institutions and public exams.

* SIM card registration.

* Vital events registration (birth, death, marriage, etc.).

* Immigration services.

* Business registration and incorporation.

These services highlight the comprehensive application of the ID cards in daily life, reinforcing the necessity for every resident to be properly registered.

To ensure nationwide compliance, the NCRA will collaborate with the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and the Office of National Security (ONS). Starting January 1, 2025, ID card checks will be conducted at security checkpoints and within communities to verify the identity of residents.

NCRA Director-General, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, alongside National Security Coordinator, Abdulai Caulker and Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, emphasized that these measures are crucial for national security and the prevention of identity fraud.

The NCRA has made these Biometric ID Cards available at offices and registration centers nationwide. Citizens aged 12 and above, ECOWAS nationals residing in Sierra Leone and foreign residents required to obtain Non-National ID Cards for work and residence permits, are encouraged to register.

The ID cards feature advanced security elements like fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, and embedded secure chips, providing a robust framework for identity verification.

In a bid to make the registration process more accessible, the NCRA has launched a mobile service initiative at Njala Mokonde Campus, targeting students, staff and local communities. This initiative aims to reduce the burden of travel and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to register for their ID cards.

In another development, the NCRA has published its Provisional Annual Report on Vital Events for 2024, detailing statistics on births, deaths, marriages, divorces and adoptions. This report is part of NCRA’s mandate to provide reliable vital statistics, essential for planning and policy-making.

The report, presented by Director-General Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, underscored the importance of continuous registration of vital events to maintain accurate population data, reflecting the NCRA’s commitment to an efficiently managed nation.

As Sierra Leone steps into 2025, the NCRA’s efforts underscore the significance of having a secure and reliable identification system. The authority urges all residents to secure their Biometric ID Cards promptly, enhancing both individual and national security.

For more information, residents are encouraged to visit NCRA offices, contact their hotline or access their website at www.ncra.gov.sl.