At LRA:

At LRA:

Customs Capacity Dev’ment Launched

The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) AFRITAC West 2, has officially launched Phase 2 of its Customs Capacity Development Mission.

The launch was held at the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), with a strong focus on strengthening anti-smuggling technical measures.

According to a release, this phase focuses on a two-week anti-smuggling training designed for 15 LRA customs officers.

The training covers a wide range of anti-smuggling techniques, operations, investigations, reporting systems, recordkeeping, and information-sharing mechanisms.

“The mission,” the release said, “led by experts Kevin Atkison and Jacqueline Penfold, is the first IMF hosted anti-smuggling initiative at the LRA.”

 In addition to classroom sessions, the initiative includes field assessments and strategic engagements with key customs stakeholders.

At Tuesday’s July 15, opening session, IMF Expert Kevin Atkison, assured participants of a practical and immersive learning experience designed to enhance both their operational efficiency and investigative skills.

LRA Assistant Commissioner for Compliance and Enforcement, Attorney Blamo Kofa, described the mission as a major step in the entity’s broader effort to modernize and professionalize its customs operations.

Atty. Kofa underscored the importance of capacity- building in meeting the institution’s goal of improving compliance and enforcement standards.

“You already have knowledge of what you do, but it is always important to embrace new ideas that enhance professionalism. Keep an open mind, absorb as much as you can, and find ways to adapt this training to our local context,” Kofa stated.

He further urged the LRA Anti-Smuggling Unit Officers to remain focused throughout the training, noting that the new skills acquired must translate into improved anti-smuggling practices and visible transformation within the entity’s Customs Department.

The training is part of the LRA’s ongoing partnership with international institutions to build institutional capacity and improve domestic resource mobilization through more effective customs enforcement.