A Model Of Reform, Growth, And Transparency
By David Jabati
Since taking the helm as Commissioner-General of the National Revenue Authority (NRA), Mrs. Jeneba J. Bangura has ushered in a wave of reforms that are transforming tax administration in Sierra Leone. Her tenure has been marked by bold digital innovation, historic revenue growth, integrity-driven leadership, and increased civic engagement—all geared toward building a modern, transparent, and accountable tax system.
Digital Overhaul of Tax Systems:
One of Mrs. Bangura’s most visible achievements has been leading a comprehensive digital transformation across the NRA. This includes but not limited to the successful rollout of:
ENSOFT platform: which captures Goods and Services Tax (GST) payments in real-time from telecommunications companies.
“CHECK AM” mobile app: allowing the public to verify excise tax stamps on beverages; promoting transparency and cracking down on counterfeit goods.
In addition, the nationwide deployment of Electronic Cash Registers (ECRs) has made it easier for businesses to issue digital receipts, aiding compliance and reducing underreporting of taxes.
Revenue Collection Hits Historic High:
Under her stewardship, the NRA has experienced unprecedented revenue growth, reaching 99% of its 2024 collection target. Revenues have almost doubled in just two years, growing from NLe 7.1 billion in 2022 to NLe 14.5 billion in 2024, with projections of NLe 18.9 billion in 2025.
Such performance is not only a fiscal milestone; it also reinforces confidence in Sierra Leone’s domestic revenue mobilization efforts, critical for national development and reducing dependency on foreign aid.
Building Integrity and Strategic Partnerships
Mrs. Bangura’s leadership has also emphasized integrity, accountability, and collaboration. She initiated a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NRA, the Sierra Leone Ports Authority, and the Anti-Corruption Commission to enhance oversight at ports and combat customs fraud.
Following scrutiny from the Public Accounts Committee regarding the Community Revenue Service (CRS), she took swift action to correct the record and implement policies to prevent similar reputational risks in the future; demonstrating transparency and fairness.
Public Engagement and Awareness:
The Commissioner-General has taken bold steps to engage with citizens directly, encouraging them to demand tax receipts and understand the importance of tax compliance in national development. Through events like the World Bank Economic Update and the Sierra Leone Innovates Summit, she has championed dialogue on fiscal reform, governance, and innovation in revenue management.
Empowering NRA Staff and Modernizing Systems
Internally, her administration has been equally transformative. The 2024 “One Team, One Vision” staff retreat celebrated the agency’s successes and introduced updated Harmonized System (HS) Codes and reforms from the Finance Act. These moves are aimed at boosting staff morale and improving institutional efficiency.
Additional modernization efforts include the introduction of digital excise stamps for tobacco and alcoholic beverages, in compliance with national legislation.
As the NRA continues to modernize under Mrs. Bangura’s leadership, the authority appears poised to play a vital role in Sierra Leone’s economic transformation. Her vision of “efficient, transparent, and inclusive tax administration” is fast becoming reality.
With these accomplishment’s, the NRA under Mrs. Bangura is proving that institutional reform, when matched with purpose-driven leadership, can achieve real and lasting change.
