Constrat, NCRA Face Backlash over Steep National, ECOWAS ID Card Charges
By VOS Staff Writer
The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), in partnership with Constrat Systems Limited, has announced an increase in the cost of National Identification cards to Le165, citing exchange rate fluctuations as the primary justification for the adjustment. The new pricing structure is expected to take effect on 23rd February 2026.
The decision has triggered public debate, particularly following earlier statements by the Minister of Finance, Sheku Fatamandi Bangura, who stated that the Leone has remained relatively stable against the United States Dollar for over two years. According to the Minister, this stability is the result of tighter monetary policy, reduced fiscal overruns, and increased market competition, which collectively helped reduce inflation to single digits, reportedly reaching 4.3 percent in December 2025.
In a public notice dated 10th February 2026, NCRA stated that the adjustment affects National, Non-National, ECOWAS National, and ECOWAS Resident ID cards. The Authority explained that the increment is triggered by exchange rate movements, in accordance with Articles 14.1 and 14.2 of the agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and Constrat Systems Limited.
According to the notice, the contractual framework allows for periodic price reviews where exchange rate fluctuations significantly affect operational costs, particularly where production inputs and service obligations are linked to foreign currency payments.
Despite the official explanation, critics argue that the increment appears disproportionate to recent exchange rate movements. Civil society observers note that while approximately 60 cents was added to the Leone-to-Dollar exchange rate by mid-February 2026 compared to late 2025 levels, the National ID card price has increased by Le20.
Critics further argue that based on exchange rate movements alone, a smaller increment — estimated between Le2 and Le3 — would have been more reasonable. Concerns have also been raised about other revised fees, including Le300 for Non-National IDs, Le35 for ECOWAS National IDs, and Le60 for ECOWAS Non-National IDs.
“This increment is not fair to the people,” a civil society representative said, warning that the adjustment could add financial pressure on citizens already facing broader cost-of-living challenges.
However, analysis from the Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL) shows that between November 2025 and February 2026, the Leone experienced gradual depreciation against the US Dollar.
• November 2025: The exchange rate opened at approximately 22.30 SLE per USD, rose to about 23.05 SLE mid-month, and settled around 22.71 SLE by month-end.
• December 2025: Increased volatility saw the rate rise from 22.70 SLE at the start of the month to a peak of about 23.80 SLE mid-month, before closing the year near 23.70 SLE.
By mid-February 2026, market data shows the Dollar trading at approximately 24,000 – 24,400 old Leones per USD, reflecting continued pressure on the local currency despite short-term stability in recent weeks.
While BSL maintains the official benchmark rate, commercial and parallel market rates often vary. For example, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) indicates a buying rate of around 21,800 old Leones per USD.
Current market indicators show:
• Market Rate: Approximately 24,071 – 24,379 SLL per USD
• Commercial Bank Rate: Approximately 21,800 SLL per USD
• Recent Trend: Relative short-term stability with minor daily fluctuations
However, The fee increase is expected to affect citizens seeking new or renewed identification cards, particularly amid ongoing cost-of-living concerns. Economic analysts note that even moderate exchange rate depreciation can significantly affect contracts tied to foreign currency obligations.
The development highlights a growing policy debate between government claims of macroeconomic stability and sector-specific cost adjustments linked to external financial pressures.
