By Joseph S Conteh
On January 27th, 2025, the National Revenue Authority (NRA) of Sierra Leone celebrated International Customs Day at the Customs House in Freetown. The theme for this year’s event was Customs Delivering on its Commitments to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity.
In his opening remarks, Chairman Gerald Ganda emphasized the vital role of customs in ensuring the smooth flow of trade across the globe. Every year on January 26, we acknowledge the importance of customs for international trade, security, and revenue generation,” he said. This day is an opportunity to celebrate the professionalism and operations of customs administrations around the world.
Commissioner of the Customs Service Department, Tennyson Bio, stated that the NRA has been working tirelessly to improve its operations and service delivery. The Customs we have now is not the same as before; it has been greatly improved, and we are committed to maintaining efficient revenue collection and ensuring the security of our borders.
Kabineh Kallon, the Chairman of the NRA Board, highlighted the importance of collaboration with other customs administrations and security agencies. “This day means that the NRA is collaborating with other customs organizations worldwide. We also work closely with our neighboring countries, Liberia and Guinea, to address shared concerns and find solutions.”
The keynote address was delivered by Abdulai Caulker, the National Security Coordinator. He commended the critical role played by customs in global trade, economic growth, and national security. This occasion underscores the enduring partnership between the NRA and the broader society framework, as we strive to achieve our shared ambition of sustainable development, poverty reduction, and national stability through effective governance and collaboration.
The celebration showcased the NRA’s ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency, security, and prosperity in Sierra Leone’s customs operations. As the country continues to navigate the challenges of the post-pandemic era, the National Revenue Authority remains committed to its role as a key driver of economic growth and national development.
