Extractive Industry Revenue Act (SL0006)

Overview

At-a-Glance

Action Plan: Sierra Leone Action Plan for 2014-2016

Action Plan Cycle: 2014

Status:

Institutions

Lead Institution: Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Open Government Initiative

Support Institution(s): Parliament, Open Government Initiative

Policy Areas

Extractive Industries, Fiscal Openness, Legislation, Public Participation, Publication of Budget/Fiscal Information, Tax

IRM Review

IRM Report: Sierra Leone End-of-Term Report 2014-2016, Sierra Leone IRM Progress Report 2014-2015

Early Results: Did Not Change

Design i

Verifiable: Yes

Relevant to OGP Values: Yes

Ambition (see definition): High

Implementation i

Completion:

Description

The Extractives Industry Revenue is an Act that is required to regulate the management of revenue especially with reference to the granting of tax incentives to companies operating in Sierra Leone. Implementing the draft Extractives Industry Revenue Bill is crucial in that it would require the government to publish a statement of its tax expenditure, detailing all tax exemptions, the beneficiaries and the revenue foregone in a bid to promote transparency. It will also require producing and publishing a cost benefit analysis on the need to grant tax incentive on an annual basis hence the public will be well informed on the rationale for granting tax incentives which may engender public debate and foster accountability and reduce the discretionary powers of Government officials. Recently, according to the National Revenue Authority over $1 Billion in concessions were given to countries operating in Sierra Leone over a two year period. Actions Required/Milestones for Completion:
a) Public consultations held on the Bill within a reasonable time frame.
b) Bill tabled in Cabinet by Ministry of Finance and Economic Development.
c) Bill tabled in Parliament.
d) Bill passed by Parliament and enacted.