Observing International Customs Day 2025, the Coordinator of the Office of National Security (ONS), Mr. Abdulai Caulker, praised the efforts of the National Revenue Authority’s Commissioner-General, Mrs. Jeneba J. Bangura, for her visionary leadership, adding that her under her leadership, remarkable progress has been made over the past year. He furthered that her dedication and strategic foresight have redefined revenue mobilization and fortified the government’s economic resilience.
Abdulai Caulker maintained that the theme for this year’s celebration: “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity,” encapsulates the government’s ambition to establish a foundation for sustainable development, reduce poverty, and foster national stability through effective governance and collaborative efforts.
The ONS Coordinator went on to highlight the achievements made by the NRA under the tenure of President Bio, furthering that “efficiency is the hallmark of successful Customs administration. Modern Customs must be seen as a proactive and adaptive entity, eager to streamline processes, reduce bottlenecks, and enhance service delivery. Over the years, Sierra Leone’s Customs administration has achieved remarkable milestones that reflect its commitment to this vision.
He recalled that “in June 2018, the Customs Department implemented the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET), aligning national practices with regional standards to foster trade and integration. This was followed by the migration from ASYCUDA++ to ASYCUDA World in January 2019, a significant step towards fully digitizing customs processes. Additionally, in May 2019, the automation of petroleum (wet cargo) processes was introduced, enhancing efficiency in this critical sector.
“The roll-out of ASYCUDA World to Bo and Kono in June 2021 further expanded digital access, enabling regional stakeholders to benefit from modernized customs operations. That same year saw the automation of the Duty Waiver Process, ensuring transparency and consistency in granting tax exemptions. Sierra Leone’s Customs also demonstrated technical expertise with the independent configuration of complex finance act policies within ASYCUDA, underscoring the department’s capacity to adapt to sophisticated regulatory requirements.
“More recently, in May 2024, Customs successfully migrated from the Harmonized System (HS) 2012 to the Harmonized System (HS) 2022, keeping Sierra Leone abreast with global classification standards for goods. These milestones are not just achievements, but a testament to the unwavering dedication of our Customs officers and the strategic vision of the NRA.”
Abdulai Caulker challenged Customs officers to adopt international conventions to promote and accelerate customs procedures, reduce inefficiencies and ensure compliance with International standards, adding that such measures will ensure Sierra Leone’s competitiveness in the regional blocs. He recognized the role of the customs as going beyond revenue generation, identifying its broader role of frontline defence of the country against threats to public and national security, stressing that “As gatekeepers of our borders, Customs administrations are tasked with combating transnational organized crime, smuggling, terrorism, and the proliferation of counterfeit goods. These challenges necessitate vigilance and robust collaboration with other border management stakeholders.”
While recognizing the progress of the NRA, Mr. Abdulai Caulker acknowledged the challenges facing the institution in modern day operations; “As global trade evolves, so do the challenges facing modern Customs administrations. The rise of e-commerce, the complexities of digital transactions, and reluctance in data-sharing pose significant obstacles. To meet these challenges, Customs must adopt sound policies, leverage advanced technologies, and invest in continuous capacity development.
“Empowering Customs with the right tools and resources is crucial. This includes enhancing digital reforms, fostering inter-agency collaborations, and promoting a culture of shared responsibility. By addressing these challenges proactively, Customs can remain resilient and adaptable in a dynamic global environment.”
He concluded by assuring the NRA of government’s unflinching support in their work.