The Commissioner General of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), James Dorbor Jallah, has hailed the groundbreaking, and site handover ceremony for the ECOWAS Joint Border Post at Bo Waterside–Jendema, as a “historic milestone.”
Jallah said, the exercise is to sold deeper regional integration, enhanced trade, and modernized customs administration.
The ceremony, according to a release, was held over the weekend at the Liberia–Sierra Leone border in Bo Waterside, Grand Cape Mount County.
It brought together senior government officials from both nations, ECOWAS representatives, and local stakeholders.
Once completed, the Bo Waterside–Jendema Joint Border Post, will significantly reduce border crossing time for traders and travelers; strengthen customs controls and security; boost revenue mobilization, and provide a safer and more efficient environment for cross-border commerce.
The US$26 million project, fully funded by ECOWAS, will be implemented over a 24-month period beginning November 26, 2025, with completion expected by November 25, 2027.
Mr. Jallah described the initiative as a major achievement, not only for Liberia and Sierra Leone, but also for ECOWAS in its ongoing efforts to ease cross-border trade, and reinforce cooperation among member states.
Jallah said the facility marks a significant step toward customs modernization within the Mano River Union (MRU).
He called it the backbone of trade facilitation.
Jallah said the Bo Waterside–Jendema Joint Border Post will be one of the most strategic customs infrastructures in the sub-region.
He further highlighted the project as a reflection of the region’s shared aspiration to create jobs, expand trade, deepen cooperation, and ensure the free movement of people, goods, and services across West Africa.
He described it as a flagship ECOWAS regional integration initiative.
Mr. Jallah reaffirmed the Authority’s full commitment to support both the implementation, and future operations of the Joint Border Post.
He also lauded ECOWAS for its longstanding support to Liberia and the LRA, noting that the organization assistance has produced tangible results, including equipment support, strategic engagement on the LRA modernization agenda, capacity development, technical assistance in implementing the Value Added Tax (VAT) regime, institutional strengthening, and collaboration on customs reforms and domestic revenue mobilization.
Jallah praised the strong partnership between the LRA and Sierra Leone’s National Revenue Authority (NRA).
He added: “Both institutions continue to demonstrate what is possible when revenue administrations collaborate in the true spirit of ECOWAS solidarity.” Meanwhile, Mr. Jallah has commended his Sierra Leonean counterpart, Jeneba Bangura, for her leadership in advancing coordinated border management, joint customs operations, and mutual capacity building.
ECOWAS Vice President Damtien L. Tchintchibidja, said the Bo Waterside–Jendema Joint Border Post represents a modern and effective instrument for transport and trade promotion, designed to eliminate persistent barriers to the smooth movement of people and goods across borders.
Madam Tchintchibidja described the project as a vital link along major regional transport corridors, contributing directly to the free movement of people, goods, and services, and supporting sustainable economic development. She added that the initiative forms part of activities commemorating ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials from both countries, including Liberia’s Minister of Justice, Oswald Tweh.