A major controversy has erupted in Sierra Leone following allegations that sixteen containers were smuggled out of the Queen Elizabeth II Quay under suspicious circumstances — a case that now threatens to pit two of the country’s most powerful state institutions against each other.
The National Revenue Authority (NRA) confirmed it has launched a formal investigation into what it described as a possible “fraudulent practice” involving missing or improperly cleared containers. But the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has publicly dismissed the reports, insisting no such smuggling took place.
The conflicting accounts have raised questions about inter-agency coordination, accountability, and the broader integrity of Sierra Leone’s customs and port management systems — critical channels for the nation’s trade and revenue.
The NRA’s investigation follows internal reports suggesting that several containers may have left the port without proper customs clearance. Sources within the authority told Truth Media that the case could involve significant tax and duty losses if proven true.
Yet within days, the Ports Authority issued a strongly worded statement rejecting the claims outright, saying there was “no evidence” of smuggling or procedural breaches.
This contradiction has left the public — and even government insiders — uncertain about which agency’s account to trust.
“This level of inconsistency between major institutions is deeply troubling,” said one maritime trade analyst in Freetown. “It signals potential breakdowns in oversight and transparency.”
The Queen Elizabeth II Quay, managed under the Ports Authority, handles the majority of Sierra Leone’s imports, from fuel and food to industrial materials. It is also one of the country’s key sources of government revenue.
However, the port has long been dogged by allegations of corruption, smuggling, and weak enforcement. Multiple audit reports have cited irregularities in customs clearance procedures, with some shipments bypassing inspection or being undervalued to avoid taxes.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has previously investigated similar cases, though convictions remain rare.
The current controversy has stirred debate across social media and among civil society organizations, who are demanding a transparent, independent investigation.
“Every container that disappears without proper clearance represents lost funds for hospitals, schools, and infrastructure,” said an activist from the Campaign for Good Governance. “The public deserves to know who is responsible.”
Political observers say the episode also underscores a broader tension between technocratic agencies — the NRA under the Ministry of Finance, and the Ports Authority under the Ministry of Transport — over overlapping mandates and control of revenue streams.
As the investigation continues, calls are growing for the government to reconcile the conflicting statements and establish a unified communication channel to restore public trust.
Neither the NRA nor the Ports Authority has disclosed the identities of the importers involved or the contents of the alleged containers. The Ministry of Finance has yet to comment publicly on the dispute.
For now, the issue remains a test of Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to strengthen transparency, improve port governance, and combat revenue leakages in a sector critical to the country’s economic recovery.
By Joe Turay
