The Commissioner General of the National Revenue Authority (NRA), Abu Martin Kanneh, called on clearing and forwarding agencies and shipping companies to enhance cooperation with the Authority. The appeal, made during a stakeholder engagement held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, aims to bolster the Government’s domestic revenue mobilization. This important meeting brought together senior NRA officials and representatives from the agencies to address challenges affecting customs operations. A primary objective of the engagement was to identify practical measures to improve efficiency, enhance compliance, and ultimately boost overall revenue collection. Participants actively sought these practical measures to improve efficiency, compliance, and overall revenue collection, showing the collaborative spirit of the event.
Addressing Customs Challenges
Discussions during the stakeholder engagement were full, covering a range of critical issues. These included persistent delays in cargo clearance, matters related to tax compliance, and complexities in payment verification processes. The identification of licensed clearing agents was also a key point of discussion, alongside other operational concerns impacting trade facilitation within the country. Commissioner General Abu Martin Kanneh stated that the engagement was specifically convened to provide stakeholders with an invaluable opportunity to openly present their concerns and work collaboratively with the National Revenue Authority (NRA) on developing practical and sustainable solutions. He encouraged the agencies to report NRA-related challenges through the appropriate channels to ensure that complaints are promptly investigated and addressed. Commissioner Kanneh also reminded participants of their responsibility to fulfil their tax obligations and contribute meaningfully to the mobilization of revenue needed to finance national development. He emphasized that a strong revenue base is key for the Government's ability to implement its development agenda and provide essential public services.
Commissioner of the Customs Services Department, Tennyson Bio, also addressed the attendees, calling on the agencies to support ongoing efforts aimed at improving cargo-clearance efficiency. Mr. Bio further urged them to respond promptly and thoroughly to NRA requests concerning revenue performance and other customs-related matters, noting the importance of timely information exchange. Agencies, in turn, noted several issues from their perspective, providing valuable insights into their operational challenges. These included delays in payment verification, significant challenges experienced with transit and scanning procedures, and concerns regarding inadequate ICT services. Problems with the Free Trade Network were also noted as a key impediment, along with a perceived need for specialized industry training to enhance professional capabilities. Additionally, the agencies collectively requested clearer and more accessible information regarding applicable duties, which they stated would greatly assist in their daily operations and compliance efforts.
Industry Perspectives and Solutions
President of the Clearing and Forwarding Agencies, Mohamed D. Salia, addressed issues from the agencies' perspective, offering insights into their operational realities and proposed solutions. Mr. Salia announced important measures for recognized clearing agencies to obtain official identification cards. This initiative aims to streamline operations and significantly enhance security within the sector, providing a standardized method of verification. The identification cards are expected to help distinguish legitimate agents from unauthorized operators and improve accountability across the entire customs process. The move is part of broader efforts to formalize the industry and ensure compliance with regulatory standards, fostering a more transparent and efficient environment. Mr. Salia emphasized the critical importance of collaboration between the agencies and the National Revenue Authority to resolve outstanding challenges efficiently and effectively. He further indicated that such measures would contribute to better data management and quicker cargo processing, ultimately benefiting both trade facilitation and national revenue collection. The introduction of official identification cards is anticipated to facilitate smoother interactions with customs officials and significantly reduce instances of unauthorized activity, thereby enhancing the integrity of the customs clearance process.
Calls for Compliance and Collaboration
The engagement concluded with a shared commitment between the National Revenue Authority (NRA) and industry stakeholders to deepen collaboration, improve customs operations, and robustly support the Government’s revenue mobilization agenda. This shared commitment shows a mutual understanding of the importance of an efficient and compliant customs environment for national development. Commissioner General Abu Martin Kanneh reiterated his earlier points, reminding agencies of their responsibility to fulfill tax obligations and contribute to revenue mobilization for national development. Mr. Kanneh stated, "He encouraged the agencies to report NRA-related challenges through the appropriate channels to ensure that complaints are promptly investigated and addressed." He further emphasized their vital role in national development, noting, "He also reminded them of their responsibility to fulfil their tax obligations and contribute meaningfully to the mobilization of revenue needed to finance national development," reinforcing the message that their compliance directly fuels the nation's progress.
