NRA Commissioner General Discusses Reforms, Challenges and Future Plans
In an interview on Liberty Online TV, the Commissioner General of the National Revenue Authority (NRA), Mrs. Jeneba Kpaka-Bangura, outlined ongoing reforms, corruption probes, and strategies to boost revenue as the agency works toward its 2025 targets.
Compliance Still a Major Hurdle
Mrs. Kpaka-Bangura said the NRA has achieved much of its first-half goals but continues to face challenges with compliance. Many businesses and taxpayers fail to file or pay on time, while some still refuse to issue GST receipts. “If 80% of people pay and file on time, revenue mobilization will be easy,” she noted.
Tackling Diversion and Corruption
The Commissioner General admitted that fund diversion remains a problem, describing corruption as “like water — when one path is blocked, it finds another.” Both the ACC and the NRA are investigating suspected diversions, with one key staff already dismissed. To prevent further leakages, the NRA now conducts daily reconciliations and is working with banks to recover funds.
Reforms to Strengthen the System
The NRA is rolling out new reforms to modernize operations, including:
Electronic filing and payments to reduce leakages.
System integration with banks for better accountability.
Ending wasteful contracts that bring little value.
Incentives and penalties to push compliance, especially in the provinces.
Despite these upgrades, Mrs. Kpaka-Bangura stressed that “the problem lies with those operating the system,” calling for behavioral change alongside technology.
Citizens’ Role and Legal Barriers
She urged citizens to demand receipts and ensure their taxes reach government. She also criticized long-term “bad laws” that tie the state’s hands, warning: “If we go into a bad law for 100 years, we have to live with it for 100 years.”
International Engagement
Looking ahead, Sierra Leone will host the 7th High-Level Meeting and 25th General Assembly of the West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) in September — a first for the country. The Commissioner General called it a chance to showcase Sierra Leone’s culture and deepen regional collaboration.
Future Outlook
Mrs. Kpaka-Bangura remains confident of hitting next year’s revenue target, particularly by ensuring the mining sector pays more when production exceeds projections. “We have the potential to bring more money for the Government,” she concluded saying, “she loves her her job, even though it’s challenging but for her it’s rewarding.”