Lawmaker Urges Government to Expand National ID Collection Centers in Sierra Leone

Opposition lawmaker Hon. Alpha Ben Mansaray of Moyamba District has called on the Speaker of Parliament to address significant barriers faced by citizens in obtaining national identity cards, urging the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) to expand its collection network.

Speaking during a parliamentary session, Hon. Mansaray expressed concern over the limited number of ID collection centers, particularly in rural and remote areas, which forces many citizens to undertake long and costly journeys. He emphasized that this issue disproportionately impacts vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, lactating mothers, and individuals with disabilities.

“Traveling long distances, sometimes over several days, to access these services is both economically and physically burdensome. This is unacceptable and must be addressed immediately,” Mansaray stated.

The lawmaker also highlighted the challenges faced in districts like the Western Rural District, where a single center struggles to serve a large population. He criticized the NCRA for what he described as inadequate planning and called for immediate action to establish more collection centers nationwide.

Mansaray proposed introducing mobile ID collection units to reach remote areas, citing their effectiveness in previous government programs. He urged the government to adopt a more inclusive approach that prioritizes accessibility, particularly for marginalized groups.

Supporting the call for reform, House Chief Whip Hon. Dickson Rogers echoed concerns about the challenges citizens face and recommended extending the current application and collection deadlines. He emphasized that simplifying access to IDs would not only benefit citizens but also boost government revenue by increasing registration compliance.

Lawmakers are now urging Parliament to summon the NCRA Director General to present a detailed plan for expanding collection points. Additionally, they aim to work with relevant ministries to ensure efficient and accessible ID collection for all Sierra Leoneans.