In a significant step to modernize tax administration and improve accessibility, the National Revenue Authority (NRA), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), officially launched the Block Management System (BMS) offices at Jui Junction on Tuesday 10th March, 2026. The initiative is designed to decentralize tax services, making them more convenient for citizens and businesses in the Western Area. The ceremony was led by the Commissioner General of the NRA, Mrs. Jeneba J. Bangura, alongside the UN Resident Representative, Mr. Fredrick Ampiah. The new offices are containerized units, a cost-effective and rapid-deployment solution aimed at establishing a physical tax presence in communities that have previously been underserved.
Reflecting on the strengthening partnership between the two institutions, Mrs. Bangura highlighted key achievements over the past three years, including UNDP’s support for the vehicle procurement system and the upcoming delivery of a water bowser. She emphasized that the new BMS offices are a direct response to the need for improved taxpayer services and education.
“On behalf of the NRA Board and Management, I express our deep appreciation to UNDP for its continued support,” Mrs. Bangura stated. She called for further collaboration to expand the initiative, revealing plans to deploy more containerized offices nationwide in key districts such as Kono, Bo, Makeni, and Kenema.
Mr. Ampiah commended the NRA as a valued partner and expressed confidence that the BMS initiative could serve as a successful model for other countries seeking to enhance domestic revenue mobilization.
Elaborating on the operational impact, NRA Commissioner for Domestic Taxes, Mr. James B. Tengbeh explained that the BMS offices are central to the authority’s strategy to decentralize taxpayer services and strengthen community outreach. “By making our services more accessible and convenient, we aim to foster a culture of voluntary compliance and integrate more businesses into the formal tax net,” he said.
The launch was met with strong approval from key stakeholders. Representatives from the Tax Movement, the Commercial Bank Association, the Sierra Leone Importers Association, and the Western Area Rural District Traders Union were present to commend the initiative. They collectively highlighted the strength of the NRA-UNDP partnership and its tangible benefits for the business community.
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