Freetown, 16th October 2025 — The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has released an update on allegations of irregular container clearance at the Freetown Port, following social media reports that sixteen containers were smuggled through without due process.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Authority reaffirmed its earlier position that the claims of smuggling were “false, misleading, and entirely unsubstantiated.”
According to SLPHA, the matter came to light after the National Revenue Authority (NRA) flagged three containers suspected of bypassing standard clearance procedures on October 9, 2025. This prompted the Director General of SLPHA to commission an immediate investigation.
“The investigation team, comprising SLPHA Management and executive members of the Association of Clearing and Forwarding Agencies (ACFA), visited all relevant institutions, including Freetown Terminal Limited, Logistics Solutions and Services, the Customs and Excise Department of the NRA, and Integrated Trade Services,” the statement noted.
Key findings revealed that although the containers’ documents were not processed through the ASYCUDA system, the Customs and Excise Department had nonetheless issued a valid Customs Release.
“The Customs Release bore all standard features, including perforations, stamps, and signatures of Customs officers,” SLPHA explained.
The Authority further confirmed that payments were made to all relevant institutions except Customs Duties, and that both physical examinations and scanning of the containers were conducted with no security issues detected.
“At the time of the investigation, all payments were confirmed, and the containers had undergone thorough examination in the presence of Customs and SLPHA officials,” the release stated.
While clarifying its limited role in container clearance, SLPHA stressed the responsibilities of other port stakeholders.
“FTL operates the container terminal, Nectar Sierra Leone Bulk Terminal handles bulk cargoes, NRA Customs collects duties, ITS conducts scanning, and LSS tracks cargo movement,” the statement outlined.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, the Authority emphasized that it would continue working closely with the NRA and other agencies to strengthen oversight.
“SLPHA reiterates its commitment to collaborating with the National Revenue Authority and other stakeholders to enhance system integration and tighten control measures,” the management assured.
