RELEASE
Monrovia, Liberia – A demanding week-long refresher and capacity-building training program for at least fifty customs officers stationed at rural ports throughout Liberia has kicked off by the Customs Department of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) on Monday, August 26, 2024. In order to effectively collect taxes and facilitate trade, the LRA is committed to improving the expertise and abilities of its customs officials, as is demonstrated by this program.
Participants in the course are receiving updated information, skills, and attitudes in important areas while attending the program in the port city of Ganta, Nimba County. These comprise the policies and practices pertaining to customs, port operations, taxation on foreign trade, valuation and tax computations, and the legislative frameworks controlling the various forms and amounts of taxes. All of the training cohort’s members—Chief Examiners, Chief Assessors, Chief Examiners, Senior Customs Collectors, and Cashiers—are learning more about their daily jobs and responsibilities.
The officers are participating in both theoretical and practical exercises to make sure they fully comprehend the subject matter. This methodology enables participants to assess their comprehension of the training material and their capacity to apply it in practical situations.
Among the training facilitators was Mr. William L. Buku, Assistant Commissioner for Customs Policy and Technical Operations, who underlined the continuous nature of education in the customs industry.
As a lifelong learner, the LRA is dedicated to enhancing the skills of our customs officers in light of the constantly changing landscape of global trade. As a result, their everyday operations will reflect best international practices and they will be on level with their rivals worldwide.
Edwin Kendema, Assistant Customs Commissioner for Rural Ports, reinforced the idea by urging the attendees to participate completely in the training. Kendema advised, “Take this training seriously.” “The information you gain here is crucial, particularly as we work to raise revenue collection from millions to billions.” Your contribution is essential to meeting our national income targets.
In the recent cabinet meeting, which was presided over by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, LRA Commissioner General James Dorbor Jallah stated that the Customs Department bears a significant portion of the US$198.213 million that the LRA is mandated to collect domestically out of the US$738.8 million national budget for 2024. It is projected that an extra 42 million dollars in external resources will bring the total budget to $738.8 million.
By July 31, 2024, the Customs Department had contributed US$124.796 million, or 63% of the yearly target, to the LRA, which had already collected 59% (US$412.370 million) of the budget. This demonstrates the vital role that the Customs Department plays in helping Liberia meet its revenue collection targets and emphasizes the significance of ongoing training and capacity-building programs.
A key component of the LRA’s plan to uphold professionalism, promote smooth international trade, and greatly increase revenue collection is the continual training. It also supports the authority’s objective of guaranteeing Liberia’s economic stability and social protection.
Bo-Waterside, Mendikorma, Yea, Ganta, Jowah, Yekepa, Luogatuo, Buutuo, Toe Town, Harper, Greenville, and Buchanan are the ports from whence the collectors are assembled.
The LRA acknowledges the crucial part customs operations play in tax revenue collection and the advancement of the country. Because of this, programs like this capacity-building course are essential to the LRA’s goal of continuing to be a proficient organization that advances Liberia’s economic objectives.
