The public may recall that on 9th October 2025, the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) issued a press release rejecting social media claims that sixteen (16) containers had been smuggled through Freetown Port. SLPHA labeled these reports as false, misleading, and entirely unsubstantiated.
On the same date, SLPHA was officially engaged by the National Revenue Authority (NRA) regarding three (3) containers suspected of bypassing standard clearance procedures. In response, the Director General of SLPHA authorized an immediate investigation into the matter. The investigation team, which included SLPHA management and executive members of the Association of Clearing and Forwarding Agencies (ACFA), conducted thorough inspections of all institutions involved in the clearance process. These institutions included Freetown Terminal Limited (FTL), Logistics Solutions and Services (LSS), the Customs and Excise Department of the NRA, and Integrated Trade Services (ITS), to gather relevant information related to the allegation.
It is crucial to note that while SLPHA’s primary responsibility is to ensure a secure and efficient operating environment for all port operators, the specific responsibilities within the clearance process rest with the following institutions FTL Operates the container terminal. Nectar Sierra Leone Bulk Terminal (NSBT) Handles bulk and break-bulk cargo. NRA’s Customs and Excise Department Responsible for the collection of import and export duties on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone. ITS: In charge of scanning all imported and exported containers.
LSS: Responsible for cargo tracking from the port of loading to the port of discharge.
In line with SLPHA’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity in port operations, the general public is now informed of the key findings from the investigation. Although Customs Management indicated that the documents for the concerned containers were not processed through the ASYCUDA system, a Customs Release was duly authorized and issued by the Customs and Excise Department.
The Customs Release, which authorized FTL to begin the clearance process, was dispatched through the standard Customs Way Book. The Customs Release presented all standard features, including perforations, stamps, and signatures of Customs officers. At the time of the investigation, payments had been confirmed as made to all relevant institutions involved in the clearance process, except for the Customs and Excise Department (Customs Duties). A physical examination of the containers was properly conducted in the presence of both Customs and SLPHA officials, and the results were certified by the Customs and Excise Department.
Both the physical examination and the scanning results revealed no security concerns. SLPHA reiterates its commitment to working closely with the National Revenue Authority and other stakeholders to enhance control measures and improve system integration, particularly within the ASYCUDA platform.