By Musa Paul Feika
The ruling SLPP MPs who also doubles as the Chairman of Parliamentary Finance Committee, Hon. Keikura Vandi, representing Bo District has publicly exposed what he described as serious weaknesses in the National Revenue Authority’s (NRA) tax collection system, warning that poor enforcement of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime is depriving the Government of much-needed domestic revenue.
Speaking during Parliament’s debate on the Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2026, on Friday, 31st July, 2026 Hon. Vandi disclosed that the Finance Committee had uncovered significant underperformance in GST revenue despite increased commercial activities across the country.
According to him, while several revenue streams, including income tax, non-tax revenue and mining revenue, performed above expectations, GST collections fell well below their projected target, raising serious concerns about tax compliance and enforcement.
Hon. Vandi questioned the effectiveness of the NRA’s monitoring mechanisms, revealing that many businesses either do not possess GST machines or fail to use them consistently during transactions.
“I think the NRA should have an automated system to monitor these businesses,” he told Parliament, stressing that without modern technology and stronger enforcement; government would continue to lose substantial tax revenue.
He warned that the current situation makes it difficult for the NRA to accurately monitor sales made by businesses and determine whether the correct amount of GST is being collected and remitted to the state.
The Finance Committee Chairman further indicated that Parliament intends to summon the NRA to explain the reasons behind the disappointing GST performance and the measures being taken to improve compliance.
He argued that strengthening domestic revenue mobilization is essential if Sierra Leone is to reduce dependence on external financing and sustainably fund development programmes.
Hon. Vandi also identified declines in other key revenue sources, including import duties, petroleum related revenues, road user charges and airport collections, noting that these issues would be comprehensively examined in the Finance Committee’s report.
He emphasized that improving tax administration, expanding compliance and deploying digital monitoring systems should become national priorities if government is to achieve its ambitious revenue targets.
The Chairman made the remarks while supporting the Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2026, which he described as a necessary fiscal adjustment to respond to changing economic realities and address revenue gaps caused by both domestic and external factors.
His comments have renewed scrutiny of the NRA’s revenue collection mechanisms and are expected to intensify parliamentary oversight of the country’s tax administration as lawmakers seek greater accountability in domestic revenue mobilization.
Both ruling SLPP and APC MPs made their meaningful contributions and enacted the Supplementary Appropriation Act 2026 into law.