In a recent Public Accounts Committee (PAC) session held on October 29, 2024, at the Parliament Administrative Building in Tower Hill, Freetown, a significant oversight in royalty payments was highlighted. The PAC convened to review immigration contracts, aiming to provide public clarity on the financial obligations tied to these agreements.
According to an audit report, under Regulation 114 and contract reference SID 1178.008, the Government of Sierra Leone had an agreement with HID, CID Limited, stipulating that Netpage, the private contractor, would remit 8% royalties on every e-passport sold. However, it was revealed that Netpage had yet to pay a substantial sum of $429,627 for by-products produced in 2022. The Auditor’s report recommended that Netpage promptly settle the outstanding royalties and submit proof of payment to the Audit Service Sierra Leone.
Chief Immigration Officer (CIO) Alusine Kanneh stressed the need for strict adherence to the law, explaining that he was not in office when the original contract was executed. He also noted a prior directive from former Financial Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, Sarah Jusu, advising Netpage to withhold payment. In response, Netpage’s representative, Jamal Shallop, assured the committee of the company’s intent to comply with the recommendations, pledging to coordinate with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Immigration Department to resolve the matter.
Kailahun District’s Honourable Bernadette Wuyatta Songa emphasized that despite the absence of formal parliamentary approval of the agreement, Netpage remains obligated to pay royalties into the Consolidated Fund. She urged that the agreement be formally tabled when Parliament reconvenes. Honourable Aruna Aaron Koroma added that the contract, made in good faith, was intended to benefit both the government and citizens. He stressed the importance of maintaining transparency and legal adherence in contractual agreements.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament and PAC Chairman, Honourable Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, urged the CIO to expedite discussions with Netpage, aiming to establish a resolution that could potentially advance to Cabinet for further approval. He reminded the committee that PAC’s actions are representative of Sierra Leone’s Parliament and must therefore operate strictly within legal boundaries.
The session concluded with Honourable Conteh affirming that the PAC will monitor the case, reflecting the Parliament’s commitment to accountability and legislative oversight in safeguarding public resources.
