By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a collaborative effort, the National Revenue Authority (NRA) and the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) have officially launched a digital platform for the payment of Annual Circulation Permit Levy for private and commercial vehicles, as well as Income Taxes for the registration of commercial Motor Bikes (Okada) and Tricycles (Kekeh). The unveiling ceremony took place at the SLRSA Headquarters on April 2, 2024.
This development follows the recent announcement by the NRA through a Press Release dated March 30, 2024, outlining plans to introduce the NRA Payment Application (NRA APP) aimed at simplifying tax and non-tax revenue collection processes, particularly for Okada and Kekeh owners. The initiative, initially piloted at the NCRA in 2022 and supported by an African Development Bank Grant, now extends its reach to SLRSA, courtesy of NRA funding, with the primary goal of enhancing efficiency and transparency in domestic revenue mobilization.
Mrs. Jeneba J. Bangura, Commissioner-General of the NRA, stressed the importance of this initiative, noting its successful trial phase and the subsequent expansion to SLRSA. Ibrahim Sorie Kamara, Senior Commissioner of the Domestic Tax Department, emphasized the user-friendly nature and security features of the digital platform, which enable vehicle owners to fulfill their tax obligations conveniently and securely, bypassing traditional queues and paperwork.
Rev. Smart Senesie, Executive Director of SLRSA, hailed the move as a significant modernization of tax and revenue collection processes, heralding a new era of efficiency and accessibility for both citizens and the government. This step underscores a commitment to leveraging technology for the benefit of all stakeholders involved in revenue collection and compliance.
