National Civil Registration Authority Urges Full Compliance Ahead of October 31 Identity Card Deadline

By: Fayia Jr. Moseray

As calls for the National Civil Registration Authority’s (NCRA) October 31, 2025, deadline for securing national ID cards grow louder across Sierra Leone, the Authority’s Director of Communications, Mr. Abu-Bakarr Javombo, has strongly urged citizens to obtain their National Civil Identification Cards (ID) to avoid potential disruptions to services.

In a recent interview with Liberty Online Television, Director Javombo emphasized that the national ID card will be the only valid document accepted by institutions providing national services in Sierra Leone after the deadline. He highlighted the urgency of acquiring the ID card to avoid “possible inconveniences” when seeking services in both public and private sectors.

“The NCRA’s identity card will be the only valid identification for nationals living in Sierra Leone to access national services,” said Javombo. “This includes government services, banking, job opportunities, university admissions, voter registration, police clearance, and more.”

He stressed that the requirement for all Sierra Leoneans and non-nationals residing in the country to secure their National Identification Numbers (NIN) is long overdue. Without the NCRA-issued ID card, individuals will be unable to access essential services after October 31, 2025.

“If by October 31, 2025, you have not obtained your NCRA identity card, you will not be able to access services in any public or private institution,” Javombo warned. “We urge every citizen and non-national to comply with the directives from the NCRA and the security agencies across Sierra Leone to avoid any inconvenience.”

The Director of Communications also addressed concerns about enforcement and potential penalties for non-compliance. He emphasized that the NCRA, in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and the Office of National Security (ONS), will ensure strict compliance with the ultimatum.

“Failure to comply with the NCRA’s deadline will result in strict penalties,” Javombo stated. “The NCRA, together with the security agencies, will work together to ensure that both Sierra Leonean nationals and non-nationals heed the deadline.”

Director Javombo reminded Sierra Leoneans that the October 31 deadline is non-negotiable, stressing that those without valid ID cards after the cutoff date risk being unable to perform critical activities such as banking transactions, voting registration, and participation in public examinations.

“We are urging all citizens both within Sierra Leone and abroad—to take this notice seriously,” he said. “The national ID card is not just an identification tool; it is a gateway to accessing essential services and exercising your rights.”

Javombo further explained that the identity card system is linked to Sierra Leone’s central civil registry, which provides biometric and demographic data for both Sierra Leonean nationals and non-nationals. The NCRA is responsible for ensuring the integrity of this data and the efficient distribution of ID cards.

In response to the surge in applications, Javombo confirmed that several registration centers across the country have extended and intensified their working hours to accommodate the high demand for ID cards in Freetown and the provinces.

When questioned about concerns over the speed and transparency of the registration process, Javombo reassured the public that the NCRA has worked diligently to expedite the process, despite some mixed reactions from citizens.

“We are working closely with our partners to address the challenges and ensure that the process remains effective and credible,” he stated.

As the deadline approaches, the NCRA is urging all Sierra Leoneans to take immediate action and secure their national ID cards before the October 31, 2025, ultimatum.