In the wake of global economic shocks worsened by the coronavirus pandemic and the reduction of 10% from the 12% on financial services amounting to 33 billion Leones, the National Revenue Authority (NRA) has according to their Commissioner General Dr. Samuel S. Jibao disclosed that in the year 2021 they exceeded their revenue target of Le6.4 trillion by generating Le6.8 trillion.
He made this disclosure at Galliness Paradise in Bo while updating media practitioners drawn from Bo and Kenema Districts respectively on the activities carried out by NRA over the past years.
Commissioner General Dr. Samuel S. Jibao averred that under their leadership, they have recorded growth by 3% point from 12.3 to 15.3 of GDP adding that under the directives of President Julius Maada Bio they have waived tax on essential commodities including rice, and have also reduced 10% import tax on cement and Iron rod.
Amid the onerous challenges faced daily, Commissioner General Dr. Samuel S. Jibao went on to disclose that they have introduced massive reforms aimed at tightening the loose ends and leakages hence they have started deployment of the Integrated Tax Administrative System (ITAS) and Electronic Cash Register (ECR). Migration from AYCUDA Plus Plus to ASYCUDA WORLD was done in 2018 which according to him would boost revenue generation.
He also disclosed plans to automate all court fines and to also ease the challenges faced in lieu of payment of court fines across the country.
On his part, The Senior Commissioner Dr. Ibrahim Sorie Kamara of the Domestic Taxes Department said akin to the massive reforms infused, massive education to tax payers is underway.
Secretary General, Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, South, Alie Badara thanked NRA for the massive reforms and urged them to tighten the loose ends at the various border crossing points.
