In a bid to streamline the clearing and forwarding processes, the Commissioner of the Customs Service Department at the National Revenue Authority (NRA) Tennyson Bio, the Assistant Commissioner of Operations Leonard Tucker, the Assistant Commissioner of Anti Smuggle Felix Jusu and the Assistant Commissioner for Border Controls and Management John B. Amara made on the Spot inspection tour in the operations at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay. The Inspection tour also included the Director General of the Sierra Leone Port and Habour Authority (SLPHA) Yankuba Askia Bio.
During the tour, the leadership of key players at the Quay conducted a thorough spot inspection at the main cargo terminal, Export area, Scanning Section and the Physical Examination Area. The inspection aimed to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies that have been hindering the smooth flow of goods out of the port. The Officials observed various stages of the clearance process, engaging with customs Brokers, security personnel, customs officers, and truck drivers to gather insights and suggestions for improvement. It was noted that the exercise indicated that the inspection has already led to the identification of several procedural delays, prompting immediate discussions on implementing more efficient practices.
The Officials emphasized the importance of regular inspections to uphold transparency and accountability in operations. "This initiative not only helps us pinpoint areas needing reform but also fosters collaboration between customs and trade stakeholders," said Tennyson Bio the Commissioner of Customs. As the country seeks to enhance its trade competitiveness, officials are optimistic that the findings from this inspection will lead to significant improvements in the overall efficiency of the customs clearance process.