In a decisive response to the disappointing revenue performance in the first two months of 2025, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, has engaged directly with the Management of the National Revenue Authority (NRA). The aim was to address the country’s low revenue generation and convey the strong message from President Dr. Julius Maada Bio about the urgency to improve revenue mobilization.
Addressing Commissioners and staff at the Customs Department, the Minister expressed the President’s dissatisfaction with the country’s revenue performance, which stands at a concerning 8.1% of GDP. With the Government facing high expenditure, he stressed the critical need to boost revenue generation.
Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura highlighted the ongoing investments in technological reforms to enhance tax collection, administration and management, urging NRA staff to take full responsibility and ensure the effective implementation of tax laws and reforms.
“The Ministry of Finance and the President are fully committed to supporting the NRA in its efforts to increase domestic revenue, but it is equally important for each member of staff to contribute towards this goal,” the Minister emphasized.
Financial Secretary, Matthew Dingie, also called on the NRA to make full use of the systems in place, underscoring that revenue generation is a collective responsibility and a crucial part of sustaining the nation’s operations.
In support of these efforts, NRA Board Chair, Kabineh Kallon, explained that the set targets should be seen as a baseline, urging staff to go beyond expectations and ensure taxes are collected effectively in accordance with the law.
Deputy Minister of Finance II, Bockarie Kalokoh, noted areas like GST, PAYE and Customs as key sectors where improvements are needed to meet revenue targets.
Meanwhile, NRA Commissioner General Jeneba Bangura reported a concerning 25% shortfall in revenue collection since January 2025, stressing that such trends cannot continue in the coming months. She welcomed the visit from the Ministry of Finance leadership as an important step in reinforcing President Bio’s position on the issue.
During the visits, the Ministry of Finance team toured various NRA departments, including the Customs Department at the Port, the ITS scanning facility and the Domestic Tax Department. The focus was on improving compliance, enforcement, the use of technology solutions and addressing concerns regarding the behaviour of NRA staff.
The actions taken signal the Government’s strong commitment to addressing the challenges faced in revenue mobilization and ensuring that the necessary reforms are put in place to support Sierra Leone’s fiscal health.
