Freetown, Sierra Leone – As part of its efforts to deepen tax compliance and sustain ongoing reforms, the National Revenue Authority (NRA), with support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), has engaged business stakeholders on Electronic Cash Register (ECR) usage and the Block Management System (BMS).
Held at the Freetown City Council Hall, the engagement drew UNDP representatives, GST-registered businesses, the Sierra Leone Importers Association, and senior NRA officials. It offered a platform to discuss reforms, hear business concerns, and strengthen cooperation.
Deputy Commissioner-General 1, Mrs. Ann-Marie Baby Harding, who spoke on behalf of the Commissioner-General, conveyed appreciation to the UNDP for bolstering the NRA’s taxpayer service capacity. She pointed to the agency’s support for BMS offices, joint site visits, logistical provisions, and equipment, observing that these contributions have helped bring services nearer to the business community.
“We have a duty to explain tax obligations clearly, make our services accessible, and respond to the difficulties taxpayers encounter. Always ask questions. Don’t go underground… Always come on top and ask questions,” Mrs. Harding advised businesses. She also called on NRA personnel to listen attentively and offer straightforward, workable guidance to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), stressing that the BMS offices will ultimately be judged by how effectively they serve their users.
Deputy Commissioner-General 2, Ing. Edmond Nonie, urged businesses to partner with the NRA in tackling compliance hurdles and advancing a more transparent tax regime. Recognizing that relations between the authority and the business community have at times been strained, he emphasized the importance of joint problem-solving.
“We know that it’s not easy, but that’s what we all have to do to be responsible corporate citizens… Our country’s development depends on us, it depends on you as business owners and business people,” Ing. Nonie remarked. “Today we’re really looking forward to hearing from you around how you’ve been able to engage with these offices and how we can make these offices better.”
Deputy Commissioner of Domestic Tax, Edwin E. Conteh, detailed the Authority’s reform agenda alongside the obligations of businesses and other stakeholders. He disclosed that 5,000 ECR machines are currently being distributed and urged GST-registered businesses to adopt the devices to ensure accurate transaction reporting and stronger compliance.
Speaking for the UNDP, Abu Turay stressed the significance of boosting domestic revenue mobilization. He noted the NRA–UNDP partnership’s contribution to reform efforts and to extending tax services closer to businesses, while drawing attention to the vital link between compliance and national progress.
“It is also important that taxpayers see the clear connection between compliance and national development. Greater domestic revenue can help Sierra Leone invest in better services, stronger infrastructure, economic opportunity, and resilience,” Turay stated. “UNDP remains committed to supporting Sierra Leone to strengthen public financial management and domestic revenue mobilization.”
Paul M. Tommy, PRO of the Sierra Leone Indigenous Importers Association, voiced the business community’s demand for equitable and uniform tax compliance. He advocated for reinforced oversight, such as warehouse inspections to verify that GST declarations match imported goods, and the proper installation and monitoring of ECR machines.
The NRA restated its dedication to collaborating with businesses and partners to enhance compliance, upgrade taxpayer services, and contribute to national development.
