In a bid to revamp domestic revenue generation, the National Revenue Authority and the Minister of Finance have embarked on efforts to address pressing challenges and implement measures aimed at enhancing revenue performance.
In the meeting with NRA Senior Management at the Customs Services Department, the Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, delivered a message from President Dr. Julius Maada Bio regarding the need to boost revenue mobilization. He affirmed that with the country’s revenue-to-GDP ratio lingering at a mere 8.1% and expenditure levels remaining high, there is a need to prioritize a revenue boost.
The minister emphasized the critical challenges faced by the NRA, including outdated compliance measures, insufficient utilization of technology, and the need for improved staff accountability. To combat these challenges, he outlined a planned series of reforms focusing on technology integration and better administrative practices. He reiterated the government’s commitment to investing in technology solutions, stressing their role in enhancing tax collection, administration, and management.
Financial Secretary Matthew Dingie highlighted collective responsibility in revenue generation, urging NRA personnel to leverage the tools and systems available to them. He assured the team of the unwavering support from the Ministry of Finance while underscoring the necessity for a cultural shift within the NRA towards accountability and motivation-driven performance.
Board Chair of the NRA, Mr. Kabineh M. Kallon, pointed out that revenue targets set should serve as aspirations rather than mere baselines to achieve. He called upon staff to embrace proactive measures, ensuring adherence to tax laws to maximize revenue collection.
The Commissioner General of the NRA, Mrs. Jeneba J. Bangura, affirmed that immediate action is in progress to halt the seeming revenue challenge. She emphasized that the engagement of the Ministry of Finance leadership serves not only to underline the President’s stance but also to galvanize increased efforts by NRA staff to adopt best practices and enhance compliance.
In conclusion, the leadership of the Ministry of Finance and the NRA represents a collaborative strategy laid out as a signal of commitment to overcoming the current challenges and driving improved revenue performance. Through targeted reforms, enhanced accountability, and the use of technological advancements, the NRA is poised to turn around the revenue landscape in the months ahead.
