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Several businesses across Freetown have closed their doors in protest against a reported increase in customs fees for clearing 40-foot containers.
Importers allege that the fee has jumped from NLe 120,000 to NLe 220,000, sparking concerns about rising costs and economic hardship.
Traders warn that this increase will exacerbate the country’s economic challenges and lead to higher prices for consumers.
“The people who really suffer from the rise in costs are the poor consumers,” lamented one importer. They are calling for the government to reduce the duty to below Le 135 million to alleviate the financial burden on businesses and the public.
Tanu Jalloh, a spokesperson for the importers, warned that the increased fees would have a ripple effect across the economy, leading to higher production costs, increased inflation, and reduced competitiveness for local businesses. He also expressed concern that businesses might divert cargo to neighboring countries to avoid the higher fees in Sierra Leone.
“The government must consider the widespread economic hardship and reduce the charge further to help lower the prices of goods and services.”
“People are going to bed hungry every night. Prices and costs have to come down, or people will not be able to cope, even us.”
“We are just entering this year and the volume of imports is dropping daily,” Jalloh stated, urging the government to implement measures to cushion the impact on the trading community and demonstrate sensitivity to the plight of the people.
This protest comes amidst reports of lower-than-expected domestic revenue generation for January and February 2025. Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura had recently held meetings with the National Revenue Authority (NRA) to address the shortfall.
In the meeting, Minister Bangura communicated President Bio’s disappointment over the decline in revenue. “We need to take immediate action to boost revenue, especially as government spending continues to rise.” He emphasized.
On Monday, The NRA has announced a series of corrective measures aimed at improving revenue collection and tax compliance. However, the government maintains that it has not introduced any new taxes in the 2025 Finance Act, focusing instead on improving tax compliance and minimizing leakages.
State House Communications Director, Myk Berewa, reiterated the government’s commitment to improving tax collection without raising taxes but did not address the allegations of increased customs fees for 40-foot containers.
Allah have mercy on this Country, the poor citizens are suffering.
This is too much ooh
The governent really is crazy. The new fee would equate to over 10,000 USD! And the importer paid about 4,000 to ship the container. So, if you have 15,000 worth of goods in the container, you have almost 50% in costs to get the goods to Freetown? Madness. They want others to suffer for their mismanagement. How do you double already high fees?
An example of bad governance
$ 9,000 to ship
This wickedness will end one day by God grace
Witchcraft behavior.
We don’t have good economist. This is only applicabe where in the country is producing its goods and people are bypassing them for foreign made goods. This is done to discourage high importation.
But in a country that is 100% dependent on foreign made goods, this could not be done. Hence, you are laying high burden on the citizens.
Wicked government
Mr President, this is not the type of economic management of state resources you promised us in 2017 during your campaign messages. Why the U-turn, making life difficult for the ordinary man, and the chances of your party’s re-election in 2028.
We are living in the last days. The bible says in the last days, there will be difficulty time.
Let us prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ is at hand. We should live ready.
There is global economic crisis. Only God can save the world.
The coming of the Lord is at hand let be prepared.