By Joseph Momoh, Reporter, D.S
Several businesses across Freetown have taken a stand against a significant increase in customs fees for clearing 40-foot containers, leading to widespread closures. Importers report that the fee has surged from NLe 120,000 to NLe 220,000, a change that has sparked fears of rising costs and economic hardship for both businesses and consumers. The protest highlights the growing concerns over the financial implications of these increased fees in a country already grappling with economic challenges.
Mariama Kargbo, a businesswoman dealing in assorted Chinese goods, expressed her frustration over the port price hikes. “This increase will force us to raise our prices, and ultimately, it’s the consumers who will bear the burden,” she said, lamenting the impact on her business and the purchasing power of her customers. Kargbo added that the situation could lead to significant losses for small traders like herself, who already operate on thin margins. Her sentiments were echoed by Joshua Kallon, another local trader, who voiced similar concerns. “This is a critical moment for all of us in the trading community. We cannot continue to operate efficiently with these rising costs,” Kallon stated, urging the government to reconsider the fee adjustments.
Traders warn that the hike in customs fees could further exacerbate Sierra Leone’s economic difficulties, resulting in higher prices for consumers. “The people who really suffer from the rise in costs are the poor consumers,” lamented one importer. In a bid to alleviate the financial burden, importers are urging the government to lower the duty to below Le 135 million. Tanu Jalloh, a spokesperson for the importers, expressed concern that the increased fees would lead to higher production costs, increased inflation, and reduced competitiveness for local businesses. He emphasized that some businesses might even redirect cargo to neighboring countries to avoid the elevated fees in Sierra Leone.
As the protest unfolds, it coincides with reports of lower-than-expected domestic revenue generation for January and February 2025. Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura has recently convened meetings with the National Revenue Authority (NRA) to address the revenue shortfall. During these discussions, Minister Bangura conveyed President Bio’s disappointment regarding the decline in revenue, stressing the urgent need for action to boost revenue as government spending continues to rise.
In response to the economic climate, the NRA has announced a series of corrective measures aimed at improving revenue collection and tax compliance. However, the government has asserted that no new taxes have been introduced in the 2025 Finance Act, focusing instead on enhancing compliance and minimizing leakages. State House Communications Director Myk Berewa reiterated the government’s commitment to improving tax collection without raising taxes but did not address the allegations concerning the increased customs fees for 40-foot containers. The outcome of this protest and the government’s response will be crucial as the country navigates its economic challenges.
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