The National Revenue Authority (NRA) of Sierra Leone has stressed the vital role of its Customs Services Department in enhancing revenue mobilisation. On September 28, 2026, Commissioner General Mr. Abu Martin Kanneh began an internal familiarisation tour at Customs House in Freetown, engaging senior management and Customs staff. The meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration and reinforce the NRA's efforts to meet its revenue mobilisation goals.
During the engagement, Commissioner General Kanneh highlighted his extensive experience within the Customs Department, having started as a Collector and risen to become Commissioner of Customs. He emphasised the need for collaboration to achieve the NRA's mandate, stating that the government's demand for increased revenue requires strong support from Customs staff.
The government's need for more revenue than ever before was emphasised by the Minister of Finance, and Commissioner General Kanneh called on Customs staff to support the NRA in this direction. Deputy Commissioner General I, Mrs. Ann-Marie Baby Harding, urged staff to support the Commissioner General while emphasising discipline, professionalism, and compliance with the law.
Deputy Commissioner General II, Ing. Edmond Benjamin Nonie, challenged staff to focus on measurable results and assured them of an open-door approach to engagement. The Commissioner of Customs Services, Mr. Tennyson Bio, assured Commissioner General Kanneh of the continued support and cooperation of the Customs Services Department.
The engagement is part of the NRA's efforts to strengthen teamwork, improve collaboration between senior management and staff, and reinforce the role of Customs in advancing the Authority's revenue mobilisation objectives. This move comes as the government faces increased demand for revenue, and the NRA seeks to enhance its revenue mobilisation efforts.
The familiarisation tour and engagement with Customs staff are expected to improve collaboration and support the NRA's revenue mobilisation mandate. The Commissioner General's experience within the Customs Department is expected to be beneficial in achieving this goal.
The NRA's efforts to engage Customs staff and strengthen collaboration are ongoing, with a focus on achieving measurable results and demonstrating progress. The government's demand for increased revenue is a key driver of these efforts, and the NRA is working to meet this demand through enhanced revenue mobilisation.
Key points
- The National Revenue Authority of Sierra Leone engages customs staff to boost revenue mobilisation amid increased government demand.
- Commissioner General Abu Martin Kanneh emphasises the need for collaboration to achieve the NRA's revenue mobilisation mandate.
- The government's demand for increased revenue requires strong support from Customs staff, according to Commissioner General Kanneh.
