NCRA Urges Public to Collect Biometric ID Cards as Deadline Approaches |

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) has issued an important public notice regarding the collection of National, ECOWAS, and Non-National ID Cards. Despite the ongoing production and issuance of these ID Cards since January 2023, many remain uncollected at NCRA District Offices and designated outlets across Sierra Leone.

The NCRA on Thursday August 15, 2024 has highlighted that clients receive SMS notifications on the mobile numbers provided during the application process once their ID Cards are ready. However, the Authority has observed that numerous clients have not turned up to collect their ID Cards, even after receiving these notifications.

Investigations carried out by NCRA’s Technical Teams revealed that some applicants provided mobile numbers belonging to relatives or friends, which has hindered their ability to receive collection notifications. Additionally, some of the phone numbers provided during the application process were found to be non-functional. As a result, a significant number of ID Cards remain uncollected at various NCRA offices and outlets nationwide.

The NCRA is therefore urging all individuals who applied for ID Cards on or before July 31, 2024, to visit the NCRA Offices or outlets where they initially applied, whether they have received a notification or not. Applicants are advised to bring their ID Card application slip for easy reference during collection.

In line with its broader mandate to enhance identity verification and security, the NCRA has also emphasized the importance of linking the National Identification Number (NIN) to mobile phone SIM cards. From September 1, 2024, to November 30, 2024, all mobile phone users must link their NIN to their SIM cards to avoid disruptions in service, including the inability to make or receive calls, send SMS messages, or conduct mobile money transactions.

The NIN, a unique identifier embedded in the Biometric ID Card, plays a crucial role in securing personal identity and ensuring accurate verification. It serves as a gateway to a range of essential public and private services, from healthcare to financial access. A recent Cabinet decision further mandates that individuals must have a Biometric ID Card to access these services, making it imperative for both citizens and non-citizens to obtain their cards.

The Biometric ID Card also enhances national security by providing a reliable form of identification at key checkpoints, such as airports and border crossings. Additionally, integrating the NIN with SIM cards helps combat cybercrime, enabling authorities to trace and identify individuals involved in fraudulent activities.

To facilitate the collection of Biometric ID Cards, the NCRA has set up multiple 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 assistance, the NCRA can be contacted via:

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

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

– Email: info@ncra.gov.sl

In addition to individual services, NCRA offers corporate issuance of Biometric ID Cards to public and private institutions.

As the deadline approaches, citizens and non-citizens are urged to prioritize securing their Biometric ID Cards to ensure uninterrupted access to essential services and enhanced personal and national security.