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In a bid to ensure that he fulfils his social contract with Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad, His Excellency Dr Rtd. Brig. Julius Maada Bio has empowered the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) – the institution in charge of providing and keeping records of every citizen of Sierra Leone, the mandate to register and issue identity cards that would be used for a lot of purposes, will be launched in no time from now.
The SL-ECOWAS national identity cards, President Bio indicated will give every Sierra Leonean citizen the chance to be recognised faster and better within and outside the country.
NCRA’s Director-General had initially noted that the identity cards will not only be used in Sierra Leone but, in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The ID cards, he said, will be printed in tandem with international standards, adding that, the cards would not only be for identification as a citizen but, will equally be used for multiple purposes, as well as be used for Sierra Leoneans who travel to other West African States.
Though the identity cards have not yet been printed, however, the DG’s statement with respect to the cards speaks volumes about the high-security features these all-important ID cards will possess.
The Director-General expressed his utmost appreciation to the president for giving him the chance to print such significant identity cards that would grant citizens to get easier access to a lot of opportunities and/or places in the country.
The ID cards, he added, will be valid for five (5) years for Sierra Leone citizens, and they will be bought for $7. He revealed that any Sierra Leonean who wishes to secure the Sierra Leone-ECOWAS ID card for travelling out of the country, will pay $12, and it will be valid for one year.
He further indicated that every citizen who may want to secure the ECOWAS identity card specifically which would allow him/her to live and stay in ECOWAS states, will be bought for $12 and its validity will last for a year.
He disclosed that the non-national ID cards specifically for ECOWAS nationals residing in Sierra Leone will be valued at $100 and their validity will be for a year.
Speaking of the mandate NCRA has to print ID cards that would be of international status and came from no less institution but, the Legislature (Parliament).
Sierraloaded voiced the views of some Sierra Leoneans regarding the SL-ECOWAS ID Cards that the president will launch in the shortest possible time, indicating that the move by the Bio-led administration to issue identity cards in tandem with international status, is a good one, adding that having a common and accepted identification card for Sierra Leoneans, will be of immense significance to nationals at home and abroad.
