By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
Mohamed Massaquoi, the Director General of Sierra Leone’s National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), declared in a government press briefing on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, that the new Identity Cards (ID) would be legally required for all transactions, including banking and university registrations, after March 31, 2024.
In his announcement, Massaquoi emphasized the necessity for individuals to obtain their ID Cards promptly to avoid being denied access to government opportunities, such as university enrollment or bank loans. He highlighted the importance of personal identification not only for governmental records but also for individual existence, affirming it as a fundamental aspect of national development since his administration took office in 2018.
Massaquoi noted significant advancements in the sector, contrasting it with its previous status when workers perceived working at the NCRA as a punitive assignment. He attributed the recent success and international recognition of the innovative Identity Cards to support received from the highest levels of government.
The NCRA Director highlighted the enhanced security features of the new ID Cards, emphasizing their utility in collaboration with the National Revenue Authority for revenue generation. Each ID Card is equipped with a unique National Identification Number (NIN) to facilitate accurate identification, even among individuals sharing the same names.
Furthermore, Massaquoi underscored the role of identity in facilitating reforms, citing instances where the NCRA provided crucial information to support tax compliance efforts, particularly in identifying individuals with multiple businesses aiming to evade taxes.
He disclosed that after a decade without notable advancements in ID Card security, the NCRA designed the new cards following extensive consultations and international guidelines, ensuring their acceptance on an international scale.
To enhance accessibility, Massaquoi announced the decentralization of the ID Card issuance process, enabling individuals to obtain their cards in major towns across the country within 72 hours of registration. Additionally, the NCRA offers ID Cards tailored for residents, non-resident foreigners, and ECOWAS travelers, facilitating seamless identification and travel within the ECOWAS region.
Overall, the announcement signifies a significant step towards modernizing identification systems in Sierra Leone, ensuring broader access to government services and enhancing national security measures.
