By Kadijatu Bangura, D.S
FREETOWN — The National Revenue Authority (NRA), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has engaged businesses in Freetown on tax compliance and the use of Electronic Cash Registers (ECRs) under the Block Management System (BMS).
The engagement, held at The View, Freetown City Council Hall, brought together UNDP representatives, GST-registered businesses, members of the Sierra Leone Importers Association and senior NRA officials to discuss tax reforms, address business concerns and strengthen cooperation between the Authority and taxpayers.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner-General, Deputy Commissioner-General I, Mrs. Ann-Marie Baby Harding, thanked UNDP for its continued support to the NRA, particularly in strengthening taxpayer services.
She highlighted UNDP’s assistance to BMS offices, joint site visits, logistics and equipment, noting that the support has helped bring NRA services closer to businesses. She urged businesses to raise their concerns and called on NRA staff to listen and provide clear, practical guidance.
Deputy Commissioner-General II, Ing. Edmond B. Nonie, called on businesses to work closely with the NRA to address compliance challenges and build a more transparent tax system.
Deputy Commissioner of Domestic Tax, Edwin E. Conteh, outlined ongoing reforms and stressed the responsibilities of businesses and other stakeholders in improving compliance. He disclosed that the NRA is currently distributing 5,000 Electronic Cash Register machines and urged GST-registered businesses to use the devices to improve transaction recording, reporting and compliance.
Representing UNDP, Abu Turay underscored the importance of strengthening domestic revenue mobilisation and reaffirmed UNDP’s partnership with the NRA in supporting tax reforms and improving access to taxpayer services.
Business representatives called for fair and consistent enforcement of tax obligations across the business community. They also urged stronger oversight, including warehouse inspections to ensure that GST declarations correspond with imported goods, as well as effective installation and monitoring of ECR machines.
The NRA reaffirmed its commitment to working with businesses and development partners to improve compliance, strengthen taxpayer services and boost domestic revenue mobilisation for national development.
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