The newly appointed Commissioner General of the National Revenue Authority (NRA), Abu Martin Kanneh, has commenced an internal familiarization tour aimed at engaging personnel and strengthening cooperation across the institution in support of the Authority’s revenue mobilization mandate.
Abu Martin Kanneh began the exercise on Monday, 28 September 2026, at the Customs Services Department, Customs House in Cline Town, Freetown, where he met with staff and members of the National Revenue Authority’s senior management.
The engagement provided an opportunity for Abu Martin Kanneh to outline his expectations for the department and emphasize the important contribution of Customs Services to domestic revenue generation.
Addressing staff, Abu Martin Kanneh reflected on his longstanding association with the Customs Services Department, recalling that he started his career as a Collector and subsequently rose through the ranks to become Commissioner of Customs before assuming his current position as Commissioner General of the National Revenue Authority.
Drawing on that experience, Abu Martin Kanneh said he has a clear understanding of the responsibilities and challenges facing Customs officers, as well as the department’s strategic importance to the Government’s revenue mobilization efforts.
“I was here as the Commissioner of Customs, so I know the work you are doing. I am here now as Commissioner General and I want us to work together to achieve the mandate of the NRA,” Abu Martin Kanneh told staff.
Abu Martin Kanneh stressed that effective cooperation among staff and Management would be essential to meeting the National Revenue Authority’s targets and strengthening revenue collection.
According to Abu Martin Kanneh, the Minister of Finance has underscored the Government’s growing demand for domestic revenue, making it necessary for the National Revenue Authority, particularly the Customs Services Department, to intensify its contribution to national resource mobilization.
“The Government needs more revenue now than ever before. I am therefore calling on all of you at Customs to support us in that direction,” Abu Martin Kanneh stated.
Deputy Commissioner General I, Ann-Marie Baby Harding, encouraged employees to give their full support to Abu Martin Kanneh as he leads the National Revenue Authority in pursuing its mandate.
Ann-Marie Baby Harding placed particular emphasis on discipline, professionalism and compliance with established laws and procedures, reminding personnel of their responsibility to maintain high standards of conduct while performing their duties.
“There is no hiding place for anyone who wants to do otherwise,” Ann-Marie Baby Harding cautioned, urging staff to operate strictly within the confines of the law.
Deputy Commissioner General II, Engineer Edmond Benjamin Nonie, similarly called on personnel to remain focused on measurable performance and effective service delivery.
Engineer Edmond Benjamin Nonie said the institution must be able to demonstrate tangible results from its operations, while assuring employees that Management remains accessible and willing to engage them on issues affecting their work.
“I am particular about results. We must be able to demonstrate what we are achieving. My door is open,” Engineer Edmond Benjamin Nonie said.
Commissioner of Customs Services, Tennyson Bio, assured Abu Martin Kanneh of the department’s cooperation and support as the Commissioner General works to advance the National Revenue Authority’s objectives.
Tennyson Bio also encouraged Customs personnel to work closely with the new leadership and contribute effectively towards achieving the Authority’s revenue targets.
The familiarization exercise forms part of Abu Martin Kanneh’s efforts to engage personnel directly, understand operational realities and strengthen coordination within the National Revenue Authority.
The visit to Customs House also reinforced the central role of the Customs Services Department in domestic revenue mobilisation, while providing senior management and employees with an opportunity to discuss teamwork, accountability, professionalism and improved performance in support of the Government’s broader fiscal objectives.
