By: Saidu Jalloh
The National Revenue Authority (NRA) has officially launched the construction of a state-of-the-art Customs Border Control and Management facility at the Jendema crossing point on the Sierra Leone-Liberia border. This marks a significant step in Sierra Leone’s efforts to enhance trade facilitation, improve revenue mobilization, and strengthen border security.
At the groundbreaking ceremony, Commissioner General Mrs. Jeneba J. Bangura emphasized that the new facility will serve as a crucial hub for streamlining cross-border trade, improving the efficiency of customs operations, and fostering closer cooperation between Sierra Leone and Liberia. She noted that the initiative is driven by the rapid growth of business activities and the expansion of Sierra Leone’s revenue base along the Liberia border.
The modern facility will be equipped with advanced digital tax administration systems, including ASYCUDA WORLD, to ensure seamless data management, real-time monitoring of border activities, and modern office spaces for customs officials and other stakeholders. With these upgrades, clearance times are expected to be reduced significantly, simplifying procedures to encourage increased trade volumes and stimulate economic activity throughout the Mano River region.
In addition to facilitating trade, the project is expected to strengthen Sierra Leone’s revenue collection capabilities by enabling the NRA to track transactions more effectively and reduce revenue leakages. According to the NRA, this will contribute directly to sustainable economic growth and help the government meet its fiscal goals.
Fully funded by the NRA, the project is expected to be completed within three months. Once operational, it will stand as a flagship example of Sierra Leone’s commitment to modernizing its border infrastructure, promoting a more efficient, transparent, and secure customs system.