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The National Revenue Authority (NRA) has poised to implement strict enforcement measures against over 180 media houses, including FM radio and TV stations, that have failed to pay their 2025 license fees.
The decision follows an emergency meeting held on Thursday, 24th April, 2025 with representatives from the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ).
According to data provided by the National Telecommunications Authority (NaTCA), the total expected revenue from FM stations stands at NLe 1,108,083.00, with only NLe 261,340.65 collected. For TV stations, the expected revenue is NLe 1,062,369.92, but the actual collection is significantly lower at NLe 393,870.00.
The Ministry called the attention of the Media Houses stating that it is important for them to note that those amounts do not include outstanding fees that date back five (5) to ten (10) years.
The Deputy Commissioner-General 2 of the NRA, Mr. Peter Hinga Ganda, emphasized that the operation of unlicensed media establishments constitutes a serious violation of national laws, raising concerns for national security.
“All institutions, including media houses, must fulfill their legal obligations. We have extended a grace period since January. This is not a clampdown; this is enforcement of the law,” Mr. Ganda stated.
In response, SLAJ President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla who led a delegation to the NRA, requested additional time and leniency in light of the difficult financial situation within the media sector and the ongoing elections within SLAJ. However, the NRA has only agreed to provide a one-week extension before initiating enforcement actions.
“SLAJ is doing its part by engaging the authorities, but we cannot shield defaulters from the law,” President Nasralla remarked, urging that, “this is a wake-up call to media owners to take compliance seriously. We must not give the impression that the media is above the law.”
SLAJ urges all media houses to promptly contact the NRA to settle any outstanding payments. While the Association continues to advocate for the interests of its members, they expressed readiness to work closely with the NRA and other stakeholders to urgently resolve the situation.
