By Foday Moriba Conteh
Fresh allegations have emerged against Sonoco Sierra Leone, widening scrutiny into the company’s import practices. Investigations suggest that Sonoco may have been importing finished cement and other building materials under duty-free concessions linked to its flour milling operations, before allegedly selling them on the local market.
Cement Allegations
Sources allege that Sonoco has leased the former Dangote cement factory and is importing finished cement rather than clinker, which is the raw material used by compliant manufacturers such as Leocem. The imported cement is reportedly repackaged into bags and declared as locally manufactured, thereby qualifying for duty-free incentives intended to promote domestic production.
Industry stakeholders warn that such practices, if verified, could undermine fair competition, deprive government of significant customs revenue, and distort Sierra Leone’s manufacturing sector.
Iron Rods Investigation
These revelations follow earlier allegations that Sonoco imported iron rods under a duty-free concession, intended for a development project, but allegedly diverted them into the commercial market. Cargo manifests reviewed by this medium show that a shipment aboard the vessel M/V ANUNNAKI carried over 4,600 metric tonnes of steel bars and coils from Türkiye, consigned through Guinea-based intermediaries allegedly linked to Sonoco.
Stakeholders argue that selling duty-free imports commercially places compliant businesses at a disadvantage. One manufacturer, speaking anonymously, said: “I employ about 500 workers and pay all the required duties and taxes. How can we compete under those conditions?”
Calls for Official Action
Industry voices are urging the National Revenue Authority (NRA) and its Customs Department to investigate Sonoco’s import declarations, duty exemption approvals, and the ultimate destination of the materials. They emphasize that documentation and cargo records can be verified to determine whether exemptions were lawfully granted and properly applied.
Wider Implications
Stakeholders caution that while duty exemptions are vital for encouraging investment and industrial growth, any misuse could erode government revenue, weaken confidence in customs administration, and distort Sierra Leone’s investment climate.
Despite several attempts by this medium to obtain Sonoco Sierra Leone’s side of the story, no response has yet been received. Their position, together with that of the relevant authorities, will be published once made available, in the interest of fairness and balance.