By Shadrach Aziz Kamara
In a robust parliamentary engagement session, the National Revenue Authority (NRA) presented its mid-term revenue performance report to the Committee on Planning and Economic Development, with key deliberations focusing on revenue diversification, tax base expansion, accountability, and community-level engagement.
The session, chaired by Hon. Musa Tarawally, brought to light numerous critical issues, ranging from the limited presence of tax authorities at key border points to systemic revenue losses due to unchecked duty waivers and fraudulent activities.
Hon. Tarawally questioned the inclusivity of revenue strategies, citing how significant quantities of palm oil and other goods cross borders like Mongola without proper tax collection due to the absence of robust enforcement mechanisms. “We talk of diversification, but what are we really diversifying if the informal crossing points remain neglected while shops and businesses in urban areas bear the brunt?” he asked.
Concerns were raised about alleged malpractice involving unauthorized agents collecting taxes without issuing receipts and posing as NRA officers, as well as issues of unfair tax incentives benefiting foreign companies while local businesses struggle. He emphasized that such practices deprive the country of vital funds and called for stricter monitoring and improved taxpayer education.
In response, the NRA leadership outlined ongoing reforms, including the procurement of land at key border points like Geneva for future expansion of customs operations. The authority admitted that limitations in staffing and infrastructure have made it difficult to cover smaller, informal crossing points, but plans are underway to establish permanent posts with trained staff equipped with motorbikes to enhance mobility.
On tax waivers, the NRA revealed its collaboration with civil society organizations like the Budget Advocacy Network to quantify the losses incurred. They called for Parliament’s support in tightening oversight and limiting arbitrary tax exemptions. The issue of subsidies in sectors like petroleum, amounting to over $91 million since 2020, was also highlighted, sparking debate over government expenditure priorities.
The committee further emphasized the importance of conducting regular SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analyses to inform strategy and recommended closer collaboration between the NRA, Ministry of Finance, and Parliament in reviewing tax incentive policies. There were calls for enhanced community engagement to help the public better understand the role of the NRA as a revenue collector, not a spending agency.
Wrapping up the session, Parliament encouraged the NRA to involve MPs and commissioners in future outreach and planning activities to ensure transparency and shared accountability. Hon. Tarawally concluded, “We must all take collective responsibility for better governance and fiscal discipline.”
The session ended with both parties committing to continued dialogue and deeper collaboration aimed at strengthening the country’s revenue system for sustainable development.
