By Juliana Vandy,

Strategic Communications Unit – MoICE

The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) says it has concluded investigation into concerns regarding the alleged irregular release of three containers at the Freetown Port, following formal notification from the National Revenue Authority (NRA) on October 9, 2025. This was after the SLPHA had refuted as false, misleading and entirely unsubstantiated social media claims that 16 containers had been smuggled through the port.

An investigation was immediately authorized by the Director-General of SLPHA, Yankuba Bio, after NRA raised questions about the containers bypassing standard clearance procedures.

A joint fact-finding mission that included the management of SLPHA and executive members of the Association of Clearing and Forwarding Agencies (ACFA), conducted thorough visits to all the institutions involved in the clearance process including the Freetown Terminal Limited (FTL), Logistics Solutions and Services (LSS), the Customs an Excise Department of NRA and Integrated Trade Services (ITS) to gather comprehensive facts related to the allegations.

Findings of the investigation reveal that all standard clearance procedures were followed. While the Customs Department noted that the clearance documents were not processed through the ASYCUDA system, a formal Customs release, which contained all necessary security features, was duly authorized and issued by the Customs and Excise Department. This Customs Release which authorized FTL to commence the clearance process was despatched through the Standard Customs Way Book. The Customs Release presented bore all standard features including perforations, stamps and signatures of Customs officials. Additionally, at the time of the investigation, payments were confirmed to have been made to all relevant institutions involved in the clearance process, with the exception of the  Customs and Excise Department (Customs duties).

The investigation also confirmed that physical examination of containers were properly conducted in the presence of Customs and SLPHA officials and later certified by the Customs and Excise Department.

Finally, both physical examination and scanning results revealed no security concerns, affirming the integrity of the clearance process.

In light of these findings, the SLPHA reiterates its commitment to transparency and accountability in port operations.

It also underlines its effort to work closely with the NRA and other stakeholders to strengthen control mechanisms and improve integration within the ASYCUDA platform, with a view to preventing any future irregularities.

The SLPHA pledges to continue prioritizing a safe and efficient operating environment for all stakeholders at the port, reassuring the public of its dedication to upholding high standards in maritime operations.

Meanwhile, it is important to emphasize that while the SLPHA’s primary role is to ensure a secure and enabling environment for all port operators, specific responsibilities within the clearance process lies with the following institutions: FTL solely operate the container terminal; Nectar Sierra Leone Bulk Terminal handles bulk and break-bulk cargoes; NRA’s Custom and Excise Department is responsible for collecting import and export duties on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone; ITS is charged with scanning all imported and exported containers; while LSS is responsible for cargo tracking from port of loading to port of discharge.