By Mackie M. Jalloh
Hon. Abdul Muniru Lansana has issued a sharp critique of government’s recent policy announcement regarding the enforcement of National Identity Card ID Card compliance starting January 1, 2025. In a detailed response to the joint press release by the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), the Office of National Security (ONS), and the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), Hon Lansana highlighted potential pitfalls and challenges that could lead to widespread public dissatisfaction and possible abuses.
The press release stipulated that all citizens must obtain a National ID Card by December 31, 2024. Failure to comply, the statement warned, would result in random police searches and penalties for non-compliance. While Hon Lansana acknowledged the necessity of citizens having proper identification for security and governance purposes, he questioned the policy’s implementation strategy and its potential for creating unintended consequences.
Hon Lansana drew attention to the operational challenges of the policy, especially in rural areas and among low-income citizens who may lack easy access to registration facilities. He raised a critical question about enforcement: “What happens if someone traveling to another village or district is stopped by police for not carrying an ID Card? Will they be removed from public transport and stranded mid-journey? Who will be responsible for resolving such situations?”
He further questioned the feasibility of issuing instant ID cards for travellers caught in such circumstances. “If no mechanism exists to address this on the spot, the likelihood of corruption increases. Officers may resort to extorting money from travellers, with no accountability for where the money goes or its impact on government revenue,” Hon Lansana argued.
He expressed fears that the policy could open avenues for extortion by rogue police officers. “The policy risks becoming an avenue for harassment, where citizens pay bribes instead of penalties,” he warned. “This not only undermines the government’s credibility but also places undue financial strain on ordinary Sierra Leoneans.”
In light of these concerns, Hon Lansana urged the government to reconsider the timeline and enforcement mechanisms of the policy. He called for public consultations and a phased implementation strategy that includes widespread awareness campaigns, accessible registration points, and clear guidelines for enforcement.
“Before the situation escalates into public embarrassment or chaos, the government must find a more amicable way to address the ID card issue. A policy meant to enhance security and order should not inadvertently disrupt lives or deepen mistrust in law enforcement,” Lansana concluded.
His statement resonates with growing public concerns about the balance between state authority and citizen rights in Sierra Leone’s policy enforcement strategies.
