Sierra Leone Commemorates 7th Africa CRVS Day at the Freetown City Council Hall

Sierra Leone through the National Civil Registration and Authority (NCRA) joined other African states and governments to commemorate the 7^th Africa CRVS Day on Saturday, August 10, 2024. This years’ theme was “Strengthening the Linkage of Civil Registration and Vital Statistics to Legal Identity Systems through Digitization for Enhanced Inclusion.” Sierra Leone domesticated this years’ theme to read “Linking Sim Card to NIN” to underscore the ongoing efforts by the Authority and its partners to digitize Civil Registration Systems and improve identity verification processes across the country.

 The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) under the leadership of the Director General – Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, successfully demonstrated the linking of client’s SIM Card to their National Identification Number (NIN). This event climaxed the commemoration of the 7th Africa Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Day at the Freetown City Hall. The event brought together key stakeholders, including the NCRA, NaTCA, ONS, MIA, MNOs, MoCTI, and other partners.

The demonstration showcased how linking a SIM Card to an individual’s NIN ensures that every mobile phone user is registered under a verified identity. This process is critical for making it easier for authorities to trace and authenticate users, enhancing security and improving regulatory compliance.

“The linkage of SIM cards to NINs is a vital step in ensuring that each SIM card is associated with a verified identity, thus strengthening the security framework and aiding in the fight against fraud and crime,” said Mr. Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi.

Dr. James Muhammad Mallah, the Deputy Director of Policy and Planning, became the first client to undergo the SIM Card linkage process during the demonstration. Dr. Mallah expressed his satisfaction with the speed and accuracy of the process, encouraging all citizens to take part in the initiative once it officially commences. The successful demonstration marks a pivotal moment in Sierra Leone’s digital transformation, with the NCRA leading the charge towards a more secure and inclusive digital future.