Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Bank of Sierra Leone has set December 31, 2025, as the deadline for all commercial banks and financial institutions in the country to fully enforce the use of the National Identification Number (NIN) for financial transactions.
The directive, issued on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, forms part of the government’s broader drive to make NIN registration mandatory across key sectors.
After the deadline, customers will not be able to carry out banking services including opening accounts, deposits, withdrawals, and money transfers without presenting a valid NIN issued by the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA).
The central bank stressed that the move aims to strengthen identity verification, enhance Know Your Customer (KYC) standards, and curb fraudulent activities within the financial system. It has ordered all banks and financial institutions to intensify public sensitization and encourage customers to register before the deadline.
Several banks have already begun alerting customers through SMS, posters, and in-branch announcements. Banking officials say the directive will improve customer records, minimize identity duplication, and make it easier to monitor suspicious transactions.
While the telecommunications sector has an earlier compliance deadline of October 31, 2025, the central bank has allowed banks an extended timeline to ensure a smoother transition and reduce pressure on registration centers.
Despite the nationwide push, challenges remain. Many citizens have complained of long queues, system outages, and technical hitches at NIN registration centers. Rural residents and those with limited literacy are said to be facing even greater difficulties accessing registration services.
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