By: yusufibrahimkamara@hopemediasl.com
Authorities from the Non-Tax Revenue Department of the National Revenue Authority have sealed the business premises of Diakem Investment over an outstanding non-tax revenue debt totaling Le 162,053.
The enforcement action took place at the company’s office located at 26 Adelaide Street in Freetown, after the firm failed to settle its financial obligations related to an ISP/WIMAX License.
According to officials, the move followed the issuance of a Notice of Intention to Seal Business Premises, which informed the company that failure to pay the outstanding amount within the stipulated period would lead to enforcement action. The notice was issued under Section 12 (e & f) of the Finance Act 2019, which authorizes the Authority to seal off or restrict access to business premises of non-compliant entities within 48 hours of notification.
Officials explained that the outstanding amount relates specifically to unpaid ISP/WIMAX license fees, which fall under the category of non-tax revenue administered by the Authority.
In the notice served to the company, the NRA indicated that further recovery measures could be implemented if the debt remains unsettled. These measures may include legal proceedings, additional penalties, and the recovery of accrued interest in accordance with the provisions of the law.
The Authority also warned that other enforcement steps could follow, including the publication of the names of company directors in the Government Gazette, newspapers, and other media outlets. Additional actions may involve court proceedings that could result in imprisonment of defaulters, travel restrictions, and the prevention of clearing goods through ports in Sierra Leone.
Officials further stated that payment of the outstanding non-tax revenue could be made through commercial bank transfer to the Bank of Sierra Leone, using the account details provided in the official notice.
The National Revenue Authority emphasized that the sealing of the premises forms part of its broader efforts to strengthen compliance and ensure the effective collection of government revenue in line with the provisions of the Finance Act.
The Authority has continued to caution businesses and institutions to meet their financial obligations promptly to avoid similar enforcement actions.