NRA Prepares to Launch Digital Customs System at Jendema Border
Alusine Ahmed Kargbo The National Revenue Authority (NRA) has begun consultations with security agencies and local stakeholders at the Jendema Border Crossing Point as it prepares to launch the ASYCUDA World customs system.
The digital system is expected to transform how imports, exports, and transit goods are processed, making customs clearance faster, more transparent, and more efficient while strengthening revenue collection.
NRA Customs Manager at Jendema, Munjiru I. I. Kallon, said cooperation between security agencies and community leaders has remained strong since the border post became operational. He explained that ASYCUDA World will automate the processing of key customs regimes, including import, export, and transit procedures.
He added that the stakeholder engagement is aimed at ensuring all relevant agencies understand the system ahead of its rollout and are prepared to support smooth implementation.
Kallon also highlighted recent developments at the border, including the recruitment of six local staff members from surrounding communities. He said more commercial banks are expected to be introduced to improve financial accountability in operations.
He further noted the deployment of the first female staff member at the border post, Mrs. Kumba S. Kallon, and expressed appreciation to senior NRA management for providing a new vehicle and office facility to support work at the site.
A technical briefing was delivered by Philip Dumbuya, Supervisor at the ASYCUDA Unit within the Customs Services Department, who explained that the system plays a key role in boosting customs revenue, which supports national development.
He said ASYCUDA also generates trade data that helps government track and analyse goods entering and leaving the country.
Dumbuya noted that the system is already used in more than 90 countries. In Sierra Leone, ASYCUDA++ was introduced at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in 2009 and became operational in 2010 before being upgraded to the web-based ASYCUDA World system in 2017.
He said the upgraded platform improves clearance speed, enhances security, and provides long-term record keeping with audit trails lasting up to 15 years. The Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) also conducted a security assessment using professional ethical hacking methods.
ASYCUDA World connects multiple agencies through digital modules, automatically routing information based on each institution’s role. It also allows self-assessment of customs declarations, reducing manual errors and improving accuracy.
The system uses a risk-based approach to identify goods for inspection and provides officials with a dashboard to monitor import and export processes in real time. It also stores user activity records and supports real-time data access across locations.
Officials say successful implementation will require basic equipment such as scanners and printers, along with staff training to support smooth operations.