NRA Chief Urges Customs to Step Up Revenue Mobilization Efforts
Osman Tolo Sesay National Revenue Authority (NRA) Commissioner General Abu Martin Kanneh has called on Customs personnel to strengthen their contribution to domestic revenue mobilisation as he begins an internal tour of the Authority’s departments.
Kanneh made the call Monday, September 28, 2026, during his first engagement with staff at Customs House in Cline Town, Freetown, where he met Customs personnel and members of the NRA’s senior management.
The newly appointed commissioner general said stronger cooperation between management and employees would be necessary for the NRA to meet its revenue targets and support the government’s fiscal objectives.
“The Government needs more revenue now than ever before. I am therefore calling on all of you at Customs to support us in that direction,” Abu Martin Kanneh stated.
Kanneh said the Finance Ministry has highlighted the government’s increasing need for domestic revenue, placing greater responsibility on the NRA, including its Customs Services Department, to improve resource mobilisation.
He drew on his previous experience within Customs, saying he understands the department’s responsibilities and the challenges officers face in carrying out their duties.
Kanneh recalled beginning his career as a Collector before rising through the ranks to become Commissioner of Customs. He said that experience would help him work with personnel in his new role as Commissioner General.
“I was here as the Commissioner of Customs, so I know the work you are doing. I am here now as Commissioner General and I want us to work together to achieve the mandate of the NRA,” Abu Martin Kanneh told staff.
Deputy Commissioner General I Ann-Marie Baby Harding urged employees to support the new leadership while maintaining discipline, professionalism and adherence to established laws and procedures.
“There is no hiding place for anyone who wants to do otherwise,” Ann-Marie Baby Harding cautioned, urging staff to operate strictly within the confines of the law.
Deputy Commissioner General II Engineer Edmond Benjamin Nonie also challenged personnel to focus on measurable results and effective service delivery.
“I am particular about results. We must be able to demonstrate what we are achieving. My door is open,” Engineer Edmond Benjamin Nonie said.
Commissioner of Customs Services Tennyson Bio assured Kanneh of the department’s cooperation as the new leadership works to advance the NRA’s mandate and meet its revenue targets.
The engagement forms part of Kanneh’s familiarisation tour of the Authority, intended to provide direct engagement with personnel, give management insight into operational issues and strengthen coordination across the institution.
The Customs House meeting also placed emphasis on teamwork, accountability, professionalism and performance as the NRA seeks to strengthen its role in domestic revenue collection.
The tour is expected to provide the Commissioner General with an opportunity to engage other departments and personnel as he begins his tenure at the Authority.