…As Commissioner Tom Vandy Speaks Out on Enforcement, Compliance & Revenue Justice
By David Jabati
As Sierra Leone continues to battle revenue leakage and enforce tax compliance across all sectors, the National Revenue Authority (NRA) has intensified its crackdown on illegal betting, liquor, and broadcasting operations flouting legal and financial obligations.
In an exclusive interview with The Exclusive, Mr. Tom Vandy, the Commissioner of the Non-Tax Revenue Department at the NRA, condemned the growing trend of non-compliance by betting and lottery operators, media institutions, and liquor dealers. He emphasized that no business is above the law.
Apparently, Illegal Betting companies have been caught in the crosshairs. “We are not in a season of tolerance for illegal business,” Vandy said sternly. “All betting and lottery companies must register, license, and pay the prescribed fees. Those that do not comply will face full enforcement under the law,” he insisted.
The NRA, through its Public Notice issued earlier this year by order of the Commissioner General, Mrs. Jeneba Kpaka Bangura, reminded all gaming and betting operators that they are bound by the NRA Act of 2022 and Section 12 of the Finance Act 2019 to be properly registered and licensed.
“Failure to do so,” The Commissioner General warned, “attracts penalties ranging from monetary fines to imprisonment. We are actively monitoring, and action will be taken without fear or favor.”
According to Vandy, illegal betting companies pose a serious risk not only to revenue collection but also to national security and consumer protection.
The NRA crackdown on defaulting institution has not spared media houses as they are also under the microscope. It could be recalled that in April, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) held an emergency meeting with NRA leadership after learning of enforcement measures targeting over 180 defaulter media houses.
According to NRA data from the National Telecommunications Authority (NaTCA): revenue expected from FM radio stations is NLe 1,108,083.00; revenue collected: NLe 261,340.65; revenue expected from TV stations: NLe 1,062,369.92, revenue collected is NLe 393,870.00.
Like the NRA Commissioner General, Vandy expressed concern over the flagrant disregard of these obligations. “This is a national problem. These licenses are not optional. The media, just like any other sector, must respect the law. We extended a grace period since January and offered a final one-week extension after engaging SLAJ. That time is up,” Vandy told The Exclusive.
Deputy Commissioner-General Peter Hinga Ganda is also reported to have earlier emphasized that operating unlicensed stations is a breach of national law and a security risk. Enforcement measures, he said, may include sealing premises, freezing accounts, and publishing the names of defaulting entities.
Liquor dealers are also on notice as the NRA, in collaboration with the Judiciary of Sierra Leone, has also reactivated enforcement of the Liquor and Licensing Ordinance of 1958 (Cap 238). A Public Notice dated 9th January 2025, the Commissioner General advised that all businesses selling liquor must pay an annual licensing fee.
“We are not just targeting betting or media institutions. Liquor dealers are also under obligation. If you sell alcohol, you must pay your license fee. If not, expect legal action,” Vandy stated, adding “no more business-as usua, the era of informal operations and tax evasion is decisively over.”
Commissioner Vandy therefore urged everyone to play their part in building this nation. “Revenue compliance is not a burden; it is a national duty. Whether you operate a casino, a radio station, or a bar, the law applies to you,” he emphasized.
He further noted that the Commissioner General of the NRA is fully committed to making tax evasion a thing of the past, and under her leadership, the Authority is determined to restore discipline and accountability across all revenue streams.
Vandy further urged all defaulting entities to urgently engage with the NRA and settle their outstanding obligations before enforcement actions are rolled out without exception.
To the public, Vandy concluded with a clear and resolute message: “The NRA is not against business. We want to see a thriving and competitive private sector; but one that operates within the law. The law is clear. And under the direct instruction of the Commissioner General, the Authority is now enforcing it with full force.”
For further inquiries or to regularize your operations, contact the Non-Tax Revenue Department at the NRA headquarters, 23 Wellington Street, Freetown.
