By: Aminata Sesay
Commissioner General of the National Revenue Authority (NRA), Abu Martin Kanneh, has urged Customs staff to strengthen their contribution to national revenue mobilization as the Authority intensifies efforts to increase domestic revenue.
Kanneh made the call on Monday, September 28, during an engagement with staff of the Customs Services Department at Customs House in Cline Town, Freetown, as part of his familiarization tour of the NRA.
He said the Government’s growing need for revenue requires greater commitment and collaboration across the NRA, particularly within the Customs Services Department, which plays a key role in revenue collection.
“The Government needs more revenue now than ever before. I am therefore calling on all of you at Customs to support us in that direction,” Kanneh said.
Kanneh, who previously served as Commissioner of Customs, said his experience within the department had given him an understanding of its responsibilities and the challenges faced by staff.
He recalled joining Customs as a collector and rising through the ranks before becoming Commissioner of Customs, saying the experience would help strengthen collaboration in his current role as Commissioner General.
“I was here as the Commissioner of Customs, so I know the work you are doing. I am here now as Commissioner General, and I want us to work together to achieve the mandate of the NRA,” he said.
The engagement also focused on discipline, professionalism and compliance with the law.
Deputy Commissioner General I, Ann-Marie Baby Harding, urged staff to support the new leadership while maintaining professional standards in the discharge of their duties.
“There is no hiding place for anyone who wants to do otherwise,” she cautioned, stressing that staff must operate within the confines of the law.
Deputy Commissioner General II, Ing. Edmond Benjamin Nonie, challenged staff to demonstrate measurable results in their work.
“I am particular about results. We must be able to demonstrate what we are achieving. My door is open,” Nonie said.
Commissioner of Customs Services, Tennyson Bio, assured Commissioner General Kanneh of the continued cooperation of the Customs Services Department and called on staff to support him in delivering on the NRA’s mandate.
The engagement forms part of the NRA’s efforts to strengthen internal coordination, engage staff directly and reinforce teamwork around its revenue mobilization objectives.
The Customs Services Department remains a key component of the NRA’s domestic revenue collection operations, particularly through the administration of customs duties and related revenues.