By: Mohamed Sahr
In fulfillment of their respective legal mandates and enduring commitment to the compliance with Cabinet Conclusion, the National Civil Registration Authority and Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority signed a joint communiqué on Wednesday 29th June 2022.
Mohamed Massaquoi, Director General of the National Civil Registration Authority said the communiqué would look at the inclusion of the National Identification Number (NIN) in an application for new registration of vehicles, tricycles, motorcycles, transfer of ownership, attestation, international driver’s permit and driving license.
He affirmed that the subsequent ratification of the agreement between the National Civil Registration Authority and Contrast System Sierra Leone Limited had been granted especially for the production of Biometric and Securitised National, ECOWAS Complaint and Non-National Identity Cards, ID Verification System and Public key infrastructure which figure a unique non-repeatable and non-reusable National Identification Number (NIN). ‘’This links the mandatory use of the unique National Identification Number to access services that include but are not limited to New Registration of vehicles, Tricycles, Motorcycles, transfer of ownership, attestation, international driver’s permit and driving licensing,’’ Director Massaquoi said.
He said the security features of the National Identification Number would ensure people with one unique identity are recorded thereby removing cases of double or multiple identities per person which may have security implications as well may lead to pranks, identity manipulations and fraud.
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Smart Senesie, the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority revealed that effective 1st August 2022 all applications for new registration of vehicles, tricycles, motor cycles, transfer of ownership, attestation, international driver’s permit and driving licensing including the National Identification Number (NIN) issued by the National Civil Registration Authority must be made mandatory.
He assured that the use of NIN would help to contain criminality associated with ownership, and assure the true identity of people involved in traffic offences. ‘’The process helps to track stolen or lost vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles, halts issuance of fake driving licenses and documentation,’’ Smart Senesie reaffirmed.
National Civil Registration Authority and Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority urged Sierra Leoneans and the general public to cooperate with the provision of the required mandatory field mentioned in the National Identification Number.
