National Revenue Authority - NRA Sierra Leone

Op-Ed from Secretary General, Ian Saunders, of the World Customs Organization

May 2026

Protecting What Matters: Customs on the Frontline

The pace of economic growth across Africa and its ambitions for integration demand that goods flow safely and securely across the continent and around the world. Growth is driven by trade; the stability of trade is delivered by Customs. In a world of accelerating trade and accelerating risk, the role of Customs has never mattered more.

When Customs administrations are equipped, connected, and prepared, the societies they protect are safer for it. However, the work of Customs officers is largely unseen and rarely recognized. Standing at the crossroads of global commerce and illicit trade, Customs plays a fundamental role in protecting lives and safeguarding livelihoods. The impact of Customs is measured not by visibility, but by absence: the dangers averted, the systems protected, and the stability preserved. In a world where exploitation of trade continues to grow, its role has never been more indispensable. Every interception Customs makes prevents a harm that society never has to face.

Customs’ vigilance has its greatest effect when it’s exercised by many – at the national, regional, and international level. This month, the World Customs Organization (WCO) and Customs administrations from across Sub-Saharan Africa will gather at two different meetings in Tanzania and Sierra Leone to advance common priorities and reinforce their collective role in protecting society.

Regional cooperation among Customs administrations, with the support of the WCO, is central to this effort. When Customs work together, they are stronger and more effective – delivering clear societal benefits: intercepting illicit drugs, weapons and ozone-depleting chemicals, removing counterfeit medicines and disrupting illegal financial flows.

Continuous capacity building and innovation
With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) established, the WCO supports its implementation by setting international standards and ensuring Customs administrations have the tools to facilitate trade and ensure safe, secure and resilient supply chains. In sharing best practices and innovations, we can jointly advance greater efficiencies and help realize the economic effects and practical benefits sought through the trade agreement. The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme is one example of such efforts, as it has enabled the development of guidelines to support the private sector with practical implementation of the AfCFTA.

The WCO works diligently to promote real-world efficiencies in Customs procedures through the training of Customs officers, building expertise through mentoring and Master
Trainer programs, and ensuring effective employment of technology platforms for information sharing and intelligence.

In the past months, for example, WCO experts strengthened capacities and provided technical assistance to the first-ever 13 Master Trainers on Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) in West Africa, along with the creation of the first-ever GEOINT training materials for Customs. These Master Trainers are now supporting the training of 14 Customs officers from across eastern and southern Africa.

Through participation in WCO-led operations, we have seen an increase in enforcement capabilities. During Operation DEMETER XI, for example, the Gambia Revenue Authority seized a significant volume of illicit waste destined for communities in the region. During Operation STINGRAY, Angola Customs flagged a questionable cargo shipment of Iridium-192 (a highly radioactive source) destined for another country.

Earlier this year, in Kenya, the WCO provided five WCO Members with radiation detection awareness training to strengthen officers’ abilities to detect and respond to nuclear threats, with a focus on smuggling risks, types of materials involved, and concealment methods. Ongoing capacity development enables Customs to keep pace and adapt to changing methods of organized crime and emerging risks.

While different in their subject matter and scope, these examples all have something in common: they demonstrate the WCO promoting practical action to achieve the facilitation of legitimate trade and suppression of cross-border crime that can support Africa’s ambitions.

Commitment and Vigilance
The WCO is firm in its commitment to working with all partners to combat illicit trade and ensure supply chain integrity. We set our theme for 2026 as “Customs protecting society through vigilance and commitment” to emphasize to the public, and to the global trade community, that Customs’ daily vigilance and commitment to stemming the ever-evolving range of threats at borders is fundamental for economic and social prosperity – in Africa and around the world.

As Secretary General of the WCO, one of my goals is to raise awareness of why Customs matters. Beyond collecting revenue, Customs protect the safety, security and well-being of our societies – every single day.

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President Bio Launches 32nd Conference of Directors General of Customs of WCO/WCA Region in Freetown

Freetown International Conference Centre

May 7, 2026

The President of the Republic of Sierra Leone H.E. Brigadier Retired Julius Maada Bio officially opened the 32nd Conference of Directors General of the World Customs Organization West and Central Africa Region in Freetown. The event brought together Directors General of Customs Administrations, the Private sector development partners, regional institutions and international delegates from across the sub-region.

Delivering her welcome address, the Commissioner General of the National Revenue Authority, Mrs. Jeneba J. Bangura welcomed delegates to Sierra Leone and described the conference as a demonstration of the growing confidence in the country’s revenue administration system; noting that the gathering provides an opportunity for member administrations to exchange ideas, discuss emerging challenges in customs operations, and strengthen partnerships aimed at improving revenue mobilization and border management within the region.

The Commissioner General further emphasized the importance of collaboration among customs administrations; especially at a time when global trade continues to evolve rapidly. She further stated that customs institutions must remain proactive in addressing issues relating to illicit trade, smuggling, digital transformation and trade security, she also reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to supporting the objectives of the World Customs Organization and promoting effective customs administration across the region.

The Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura reiterated his commitment to supporting reforms within the revenue administration sector. The Minister described the conference as timely and important; noting that efficient customs systems remain critical to economic growth, domestic revenue generation and the facilitation of legitimate trade.

The Minister further highlighted the role of customs administrations in safeguarding national economies, promoting transparency and supporting regional economic integration.

His Excellency the President, Julius Maada Bio also commended the NRA for successfully hosting the regional conference; adding that Sierra Leone remains committed to international cooperation and institutional reforms that will strengthen economic development.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Chief Minister, cabinet ministers, senior government officials, heads of customs administrations from West and Central Africa, officials of the World Customs Organization, representatives from the private sector; development partners; and staff of the NRA.

The conference continued with technical discussions; policy deliberations; and strategic engagements aimed at advancing customs administration and regional cooperation within the WCO/WCA region.

For further information: [email protected] or +232-80-839-839

World Customs Organization - Organisation Mondiale des DouanesDirectorate of Communications Office of the President -Sierra LeoneLiberty TV OnlineTruth MediaWest African Tax Administration Forum - WATAFAwoko Newspaper Online

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NRA Customs Hosts WCO/WCA Region Cocktail Reception After Day Two

May 6th, 2026

The cocktail reception hosted by the National Revenue Authority through its Customs Services Department reflected the views and perspectives of the Commissioner of Customs, Tennyson Bio; who outlined the significance of the gathering in strengthening unity and advancing the shared goals of Customs administrations.

The event brought together NRA Board of Directors, the Commissioner General, Mrs. Jeneba J. Bangura, NRA staff; and delegates of the World Customs Organization (WCO); creating a platform for engagement; collaboration; and collective reflection.

The reception was held shortly after the close of the second day of the WCO/WCA Region Conference at the Gulf Club; Lumley Beach; provided a conducive environment for meaningful interaction; relationship building; and strategic dialogue among participants.

Commissioner Bio emphasized that Freetown continues to project resilience and hospitality; offering a welcoming atmosphere for international delegates; and reinforcing Sierra Leone’s image as a partner in global Customs cooperation.

He further highlighted that the gathering was not merely social; but strategic; designed to deepen trust; strengthen partnerships; and encourage open engagement among Customs leaders and practitioners.

He stressed that Africa’s financial independence requires deliberate and coordinated action; driven by Customs administrations that are united; modernized; transparent; and forward-looking. He pointed out that such engagements are critical in reinforcing regional cooperation and shared commitment.

In outlining operational realities; he identified key challenges; including digital system disruptions during peak periods; incomplete documentation that slows trade processes; and the evolving nature of smuggling networks. He underscored that these issues require stronger risk management systems; improved tools; and greater institutional responsiveness.

He acknowledged that these challenges have direct implications for revenue generation; national security; and institutional credibility; and therefore demand urgent and sustained attention.

Despite these constraints; he expressed optimism; noting that coordinated efforts among Customs administrations continue to yield measurable progress; and contribute to sustainable outcomes.

He also underscored the importance of ongoing reforms; including harmonization of procedures; intelligence sharing; and institutional strengthening; linking these efforts to the broader objective of reducing external dependency and achieving sustainable economic independence.

He described the evening as a symbolic moment of unity; reflecting a shared commitment to modernization; deeper collaboration; and stronger professional ties within the Customs community.

He concluded by emphasizing that effective cooperation extends beyond formal conference sessions; and is strengthened through continuous engagement; trust building; and shared experiences among stakeholders.

For further information: [email protected] or +232-80-839-839

©️ Public Affairs and Tax Education
National Revenue Authority
www.nra.gov.sl

World Customs Organization - Organisation Mondiale des DouanesTruth MediaLiberty TV OnlineAwoko Newspaper Online

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NRA Commences 32nd Conference of Director Generals of Customs of the WCO/WCA Region

Freetown International Conference Centre

May 4th 2026

Freetown has today taken center stage in global customs discourse as the World Customs Organization (WCO) Conference officially commenced. Hosted by the National Revenue Authority (NRA), the high-level gathering brings together Customs Experts from 18 countries and 5 Economic Operators from the Private Sector. The conference runs through Friday under the theme: ‘A Customs Service that protects society through its vigilance and commitment.’

Setting the tone for the conference on Day One, 4th May 2026, the Deputy Commissioner General 1 of the NRA, Ann Marie Baby Harding, in her “Welcome Remarks”, underscored the critical role of customs in safeguarding society.
‘Customs must remain vigilant at all times; because the risks we face are evolving every day. Our commitment must be firm; our systems must be intelligent; and our officers must act with integrity. We are not only protecting revenue; we are protecting lives; livelihoods; and the future of our nation. Sierra Leone stands ready to work with partners; to strengthen compliance; and to build a customs service that truly safeguards society.’

Presentations from key WCO partners emphasized the evolving role of customs administrations as both revenue collectors and frontline defenders of society.

The high-level session, moderated by Maiga Abdoulaye, Chief of Cabinet of the Vice-Chair of WCO-WCA, guided focused and solution-driven discussions among global delegates.

Key highlights from today’s session were engagement with the private sector representatives from the trading and logistics community, which included presentations and discussions of the Region’s Institutional Framework, Terms of Reference and Objectives that established the Private Sector Representative Group (GRSP), and the election of the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and First and Second Secretaries of the group.

Deliberations also addressed illicit trade and transnational crime. There was consensus on the need for data-driven systems; coordinated international action; and continuous capacity building.

As host, the NRA has been commended for convening the conference. Sierra Leone’s role in global customs engagement continues to grow.

With more sessions scheduled, the conference is expected to deliver practical outcomes that will strengthen customs systems and protect society.

For further information: [email protected] or +232-80-839-839

©️Public Affairs and Tax Education
National Revenue Authority
www.nra.gov.sl

World Customs Organization - Organisation Mondiale des DouanesDirectorate of Communications Office of the President -Sierra LeoneTruth Media West African Tax Administration Forum - WATAFLiberty TV Online