By: Saidu Jalloh
The National Revenue Authority (NRA) held its annual Board Management Retreat from November 27 to 30, 2024, at LIA Hotel in Lungi, focusing on the theme “Strengthening Digitalization for Improved Revenue Generation.” The event brought together the Minister of Finance, Board members, and senior management to discuss innovative digital strategies aimed at enhancing tax collection efficiency and addressing challenges in tax administration domestic revenue mobilization
In his keynote address, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, Minister of Finance stressed the importance of leveraging technology, such as the Integrated Tax Administration Systems ITAS), Product Tracing System (PTS), Fuel Integrity System (FIS) and NSOFT to optimize revenue collection and further commended the leadership of NRA for effectively implementing these reforms.
The Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, Mr Ibrahim Stevens who is also a Board Member of the Authority underscored the crucial role the Bank plays in managing government accounts to which NRA is a lead contributor.
He highlighted the importance of revenue performance in achieving the government’s strategic goals, known as the “dream of H.E. and the 5 Big Game Changers.”
The Board Chairman, Kabineh Kallon highlighted the importance of leveraging technology to modernize tax administration, especially in light of the growing e-commerce and digital transactions.
He encouraged the management and staff to take ownership of their roles, and account for their duties to ensure high revenue performance
In her remarks, the Commissioner-General Madam Jeneba J. Bangura acknowledged that she took over the Authority at a crucial point characterized by uncertainty but in the last one year the Authority has made significant strides in revenue targets, stabilised stakeholder/taxpayer engagement and adopted digital solutions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Mrs. Bangura committed to transparency, empathy and inclusion as the cornerstones of her management. She stressed the importance of investing in staff development, welfare, and fair policy application, while urging bold collective action to achieve digital transformation.
The three days’ retreat aimed at building an equitable and efficient organisation, fostering sustainable revenue growth and improved compliance.