By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), in collaboration with the Office of National Security (ONS) through the National Security Coordinator (NSCORD), and the Sierra Leone Police, has issued a joint statement urging all citizens and legal residents to collect their National Identity Cards before the deadline of August 31, 2025.
This call forms part of a nationwide effort to streamline identification, improve national security, and ensure that all residents are properly documented. The statement emphasizes that such is a mandatory exercise targeting not only Sierra Leonean citizens but also foreign nationals legally residing in the country.
The joint statement, released earlier this week, underscores the importance of timely compliance with the ID collection process. It highlights that the National ID Card serves as an essential tool for identification, access to government services, and participation in civic duties such as voting, banking, and official registrations.
“The National Identity Card is not just a document—it is a legal requirement and a critical component of national security and governance,” the statement reads. “We call on every eligible person to collect their ID cards by August 31, 2025. Failure to comply may result in limited access to services and legal inconvenience.”
The NCRA has been issuing biometric National ID Cards as part of its broader mandate to maintain a secure and inclusive civil registration and vital statistics system. The initiative supports government efforts to modernize national identification systems and improve service delivery across various sectors.
Officials say the exercise is in line with global best practices and is aimed at eliminating identity fraud, strengthening border security, and enhancing public trust in institutions. The ID cards are embedded with biometric features, including fingerprint and facial recognition, to ensure accurate and secure identification of individuals.
In addition to being a cornerstone for national planning and statistics, the ID card is also expected to be used for travel within the ECOWAS region, aligning Sierra Leone with regional integration and mobility goals.
The NCRA has set up multiple distribution points nationwide, including regional and district offices, to make the collection process as convenient as possible. Authorities are also encouraging the public to check with their local NCRA offices or visit the official NCRA website to confirm the availability of their cards.
Meanwhile, the Sierra Leone Police and security agencies have pledged their full support to ensure the exercise runs smoothly and securely. Law enforcement agencies are expected to begin verifying identity cards more rigorously after the deadline, making it critical for citizens to act within the given timeframe.
The Office of National Security added that the campaign is not only about identification but also about national readiness. “In a rapidly evolving global environment, the ability to quickly and accurately identify individuals is a matter of national security,” the ONS noted.
With less than a month left until the August 31 deadline, government agencies are urging swift public action. NCRA is expected to increase public outreach in the coming weeks, using media, community engagements, and stakeholder partnerships to raise awareness and encourage compliance.
Citizens are encouraged to act now, avoid last-minute rushes, and ensure that they are properly registered and documented in Sierra Leone’s national identity system.
