NCRA Urges Immediate Collection of Unclaimed Biometric ID Cards, Calls for NIN-SIM Linkage |

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) has issued a crucial public notice concerning the ongoing collection of National, ECOWAS, and Non-National ID Cards. Since January 2023, the NCRA has been actively producing and distributing these ID cards, yet a substantial number remain uncollected across the Authority’s district offices and designated collection points throughout Sierra Leone.

On Thursday, August 15, 2024, the NCRA emphasized that applicants are notified via SMS when their ID cards are ready, using the mobile numbers provided during the application process. However, the Authority has observed that despite these notifications, many individuals have failed to collect their ID cards.

According to investigations by NCRA’s Technical Teams, several applicants provided phone numbers belonging to relatives or friends, which has complicated the notification process. Furthermore, some of the contact numbers given during registration have been found to be non-functional, contributing to the large number of uncollected cards across NCRA offices.

To address this issue, the NCRA is urging all applicants who registered on or before July 31, 2024, to visit the office or collection point where they initially applied, whether or not they have received an SMS notification. Individuals are reminded to bring their ID card application slips to facilitate easy collection.

The NCRA has also highlighted the importance of linking the National Identification Number (NIN) to mobile phone SIM cards as part of its broader mandate to enhance identity security. Between September 1 and November 30, 2024, all mobile phone users are required to link their NIN to their SIM cards to avoid service interruptions, which could result in being unable to make or receive calls, send SMS messages, or conduct mobile money transactions.

The NIN, embedded in the Biometric ID Card, plays a vital role in identity verification and access to key public and private services, from healthcare to financial transactions. A recent Cabinet directive mandates that individuals must have a Biometric ID Card to access these services, making it imperative for both citizens and non-citizens to collect their cards.

Beyond service access, the Biometric ID Card significantly boosts national security by serving as a reliable form of identification at strategic checkpoints, such as airports and border crossings. Moreover, integrating the NIN with SIM cards enhances efforts to combat cybercrime by enabling authorities to trace and identify individuals engaged in fraudulent activities.

To streamline the collection process, the NCRA has established several registration and collection centers, including:

1. 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 Roundabout)
5. NCRA Office: Waterloo, along the Freetown Highway (Opposite the Police Station)
6. Regional NCRA Offices in Bo, Kenema, Makeni, and Port Loko

For further information or assistance, the NCRA can be reached via:

– Mobile: +232 33 939740 / +232 79 578063

– Website: [www.ncra.gov.sl](http://www.ncra.gov.sl)

– Email: info@ncra.gov.sl

The NCRA also offers corporate issuance of Biometric ID Cards to both public and private institutions.

As the deadlines approach, citizens and non-citizens alike are strongly urged to collect their Biometric ID Cards and link their NIN to their SIM cards to ensure uninterrupted service access and contribute to national security efforts.