National Revenue Authority (NRA) Commissioner General Abu Martin Kanneh has urged Customs personnel to strengthen their contribution to domestic revenue mobilisation. Kanneh made the call on September 28, 2026, during his first engagement with staff at Customs House in Cline Town, Freetown. He met with Customs personnel and members of the NRA's senior management. Kanneh emphasised the need for stronger cooperation between management and employees to meet revenue targets and support the government's fiscal objectives.
Kanneh highlighted the government's increasing need for domestic revenue, placing greater responsibility on the NRA, including its Customs Services Department, to improve resource mobilisation. He drew on his previous experience within Customs, having begun his career as a Collector before rising through the ranks to become Commissioner of Customs. This experience, he said, would help him work effectively with personnel in his new role as Commissioner General.
Deputy Commissioner General I, Ann-Marie Baby Harding, urged employees to support the new leadership while maintaining discipline, professionalism, and adherence to established laws and procedures. She cautioned that there was no room for misconduct, emphasising the need for staff to operate strictly within the law. Her sentiments were echoed by Deputy Commissioner General II, Engineer Edmond Benjamin Nonie, who challenged personnel to focus on measurable results and effective service delivery.
Commissioner of Customs Services, Tennyson Bio, assured Kanneh of the department's cooperation as the new leadership works to advance the NRA's mandate and meet its revenue targets. The engagement formed part of Kanneh's familiarisation tour of the Authority, aimed at providing direct engagement with personnel, giving management insight into operational issues, and strengthening coordination across the institution.
The meeting at Customs House emphasised teamwork, accountability, professionalism, and performance as the NRA seeks to strengthen its role in domestic revenue collection. Kanneh's tour is expected to provide him with an opportunity to engage with other departments and personnel as he begins his tenure at the Authority. The NRA's efforts to improve revenue mobilisation are crucial in supporting the government's fiscal objectives.
The NRA's revenue mobilisation efforts are also critical in addressing the country's economic challenges. The Authority's role in domestic revenue collection is vital in supporting the government's development agenda. Kanneh's call for strengthened revenue mobilisation efforts is a clear indication of the NRA's commitment to improving its revenue collection capabilities.
The engagement with Customs personnel marks the beginning of Kanneh's efforts to strengthen the NRA's operations and improve revenue mobilisation. His leadership is expected to bring about positive changes in the Authority's operations, with a focus on teamwork, accountability, and performance. The NRA's success in revenue mobilisation will have a direct impact on the country's economic growth and development.
Key points
- NRA Commissioner General Abu Martin Kanneh calls for strengthened revenue mobilisation efforts from Customs personnel.
