By Ibrahim Mansaray
Freetown, 7th May 2026- The Deputy Commissioner General of the National Revenue Authority (NRA), Ann Marie Harding, has underscored the vital role of customs in safeguarding Sierra Leone’s economy and society. She was delivering the welcome remarks at the 32nd Conference of Directors General of Customs of the WCO/WCA Region.
Harding emphasized that customs is not only about protecting revenue but also about defending lives, livelihoods, and the nation’s future.
“We are not only protecting revenue; we are protecting lives, livelihoods and the future of our nation,” Harding said as things got started with customs experts from 18 countries and five Economic Operators from the private sector, marking new grounds for Sierra Leone’s participation in the global customs discourse.
“Sierra Leone stands ready to work with partners to strengthen compliance; and to build a customs service that truly safeguards society,” she said, underscoring the country’s resonance with the conference’s theme: ‘A Customs Service that protects society through its vigilance and commitment.’
“Customs must remain vigilant at all times, because the risks we face are evolving every day. Our commitment must be firm; our systems must be intelligent; and our officers must act with integrity, she stated.
Presentations from key WCO partners emphasized the evolving role of customs administrations as both revenue collectors and frontline defenders of society, echoing the points made by the DCG1.
The high-level session, moderated by Maiga Abdoulaye, Chief of Cabinet of the Vice-Chair of WCO-WCA, guided focused and solution-driven discussions among global delegates.
Illicit trade and transnational crimes were also discussed, leading to unilateral agreement on the need for data-driven systems, coordinated international actions and continuous capacity building.
Opening day sessions include engagement with private sector representatives from the trading community, which included presentations and discussions of the Region’s Institutional Framework, Terms of Reference and Objectives that established the Private Sector Representative Group (PSRP) and the election of the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and First and Second Secretaries of the Group.
NRA has been commended not only for convening the conference but also for Sierra Leone’s role in global customs engagement and continuing growth.
Positive outcomes – ones that strengthen customs and protect society – are expected to be delivered by the conference, with more sessions scheduled for the remaining days.
