By: Fayia Jr. Moseray
As the deadline for mandatory National Identification Number (NIN) registration approaches, the Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL) has issued a strong directive to all commercial banks and financial institutions across the country, urging full compliance with the requirement by December 31, 2025.
This directive, announced on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, reinforces the government’s push for the widespread adoption of NINs issued by the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) as a prerequisite for all financial transactions.
The BSL clarified that no financial institution will be permitted to conduct transactions with customers who fail to present a valid NIN beyond the stipulated deadline. This move is part of broader financial sector reforms aimed at enhancing financial integrity, preventing fraud, and aligning the country’s banking system with global best practices.
“This directive is not meant to inconvenience the public, but to create a secure, transparent, and modernized financial system where every citizen’s identity is properly captured and safeguarded,” the BSL stated.
The central bank emphasized that the mandatory use of NINs aligns with Know Your Customer (KYC) standards and efforts to combat money laundering and illicit financial activities in Sierra Leone.
BSL has also called on financial institutions to ramp up public awareness campaigns and ensure their customers understand the importance of timely compliance.
While the October 31 deadline applies to other sectors such as telecommunications, financial institutions have been given until December 31, 2025, to fully implement the directive. Some citizens have welcomed the move, viewing it as a necessary step toward improving security and transparency in the banking sector.
“It’s a laudable initiative,” said a local banking staff member. “Getting valid customer details will help trace illegal transactions within the financial system.”
However, others have raised concerns about accessibility and implementation challenges particularly among citizens with limited education or digital literacy.
Fatmata Koroma, a trader in Freetown, voiced her frustration said the process is slow, and sometimes the system is down. “We want to comply, but the authorities must also make it easier for us. It feels unfair to go through so much just to withdraw our own money,” she said.
Financial analysts acknowledge the policy’s potential to transform Sierra Leone’s financial ecosystem but caution that logistical and technical support will be essential for smooth implementation across the country.
With fewer than four months remaining, all eyes are on how prepared banks and customers will be to meet the deadline and whether the reforms will yield the intended benefits.
