By Sulaiman Jalloh
In a bold step to bolster digital security and financial inclusion, the Government of Sierra Leone has mandated that all bank accounts and mobile phone numbers be linked to a National Identification Number (NIN) by December 31, 2025, the directive aims to combat fraud, streamline financial transactions, and enhance the nation’s digital infrastructure.
Speaking at a press briefing in Freetown on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, announced that all new bank accounts must be linked to a NIN effective immediately. Existing account holders have until the end of 2025 to comply with the requirement, ensuring seamless access to banking services.
The initiative extends to mobile telecommunications, with the National Telecommunications Authority (NaTCA) set to deactivate all unregistered mobile numbers starting October 1, 2025, this policy is a cornerstone of our efforts to strengthen digital security, promote financial inclusion, and safeguard citizens from fraud in an increasingly connected world, Minister Bah emphasized.
To facilitate secure and efficient transactions, commercial banks and mobile network operators have been instructed to integrate all NIN-linked users into the National Payment Switch, a platform designed to enable smooth interoperability between bank accounts and mobile wallets, this move aligns with Sierra Leone’s broader vision of modernizing its financial ecosystem and reducing reliance on cash-based transactions.
The NIN, managed by the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), serves as a unique identifier for citizens, enhancing traceability and accountability in digital and financial systems. However, challenges such as limited access to registration centers in rural areas and low public awareness may complicate compliance, the government has pledged to expand outreach efforts, including mobile registration drives and public education campaigns, to ensure no citizen is left behind.
In an era of rising cyber threats and financial scams, linking NINs to accounts and mobile numbers is a critical safeguard, Minister Bah stated, This policy will protect our citizens and position Sierra Leone as a leader in digital innovation in the region.”
The government urges all citizens to act promptly to obtain or link their NINs to avoid disruptions in banking and mobile services. With the deadline fast approaching, stakeholders are calling for collaboration between the NCRA, banks, and telecom operators to ensure a smooth rollout and widespread compliance.
As Sierra Leone embraces digital transformation, this mandate represents a pivotal step toward a more secure, inclusive, and technologically advanced society.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday,25th July, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
