The Customs Department of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) has completed a week-long capacity-building and refresher training for over 60 Customs officers, primarily examiners, who play a critical role in the LRA’s operations.
Customs examiners are responsible for inspecting and assessing goods being imported into or exported from Liberia, ensuring compliance with customs laws and regulations. Their role is pivotal in balancing the enforcement of customs rules with facilitating the smooth flow of international trade while securing the necessary revenue for the country.
The refresher training, recently held in Ganta, Nimba County, focused on updating examiners’ knowledge and aligning them with modern customs processes and procedures. The officers were also trained on navigating LRA communication platforms to stay informed while engaging with taxpayers.
The 60 participants, drawn from various borders and ports across Liberia, were introduced to the latest advancements in customs processes, procedures, and technologies. These tools are designed to enhance their operational efficiency and ensure they are up-to-date with modern customs practices.
Speaking at the event, Assistant Commissioner for Customs Policy and Technical Operations, Attorney William L. Buku, underscored the importance of keeping customs officers informed on global customs standards. “This training is essential to updating the knowledge of our officers and aligning them with modern customs processes and procedures. As international trade evolves, so must our capacity to regulate it effectively,” Buku stated.
This training session is part of a broader initiative by the Customs Department to enhance the skills of its personnel at all levels. Earlier, similar training programs were conducted for first-time customs officers and senior rural port collectors, ensuring that every segment of customs operations is equipped to meet the demands of cross-border trade and compliance.
As Liberia focuses on expanding international trade and improving revenue collection, this training is seen as vital in boosting the department’s capacity to manage the increasing volume and complexity of trade. By continuously strengthening its workforce, the Customs Department is expected to improve trade facilitation efficiency while maintaining compliance with both national and international regulations.
The training was facilitated by Assistant Commissioner for Customs Policy and Technical Operations, Attorney William L. Buku; Assistant Commissioner for Rural Ports, Edwin F. Kendema; and Manager for Communication, Media, and Public Affairs Section, Danicius Kaihenneh Sengbeh.
At the same time, the LRA has excitedly announced a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey with the receipt of 50 Starlink satellite terminals, with funding from the International Development Association (IDA) and the Government of Sweden, through the Public Financial Management Reform and Institutional Strengthening Project (PFMRISP).
This equipment, valued at approximately US$162,000 (or 149,400 Euros), marks a significant leap forward in enhancing internet access for Tax Business Offices (TBOs) and Customs Business Offices (CBOs) across Liberia, including rural areas previously challenged by limited internet connectivity.
The introduction of Starlink, a cutting-edge satellite internet service provider, will enhance internet connectivity at LRA offices nationwide. This initiative is crucial to the LRA’s strategic plan of leveraging digital technology to enhance revenue collection, providing real-time access to performance data in rural areas, and bolstering transparency, accountability, and reporting processes.
LRA Commissioner General James Dorbor Jallah has expressed deep gratitude to the World Bank and all partners, acknowledging the invaluable support that has made this vision a reality. “This initiative is pivotal in rolling out the Liberia Integrated Tax Administration System (LITAS) and Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) at all our tax business offices and customs posts across the country. Achieving our annual revenue goal of reaching billions requires bold and intentional steps, and this Starlink installation is a critical one.”
He added, “When we talk about taking our annual revenue envelope to the billion, it requires concrete and intentional actions, and this is just one of them.”
The granting of Starlink/SpaceX a one-year provisional license to operate in Liberia has presented the LRA a remarkable opportunity to further expand the digitization of revenue collection across the nation.
As the LRA embarks on this irreversible trajectory towards digital technology, it is poised to simplify revenue collection processes, close leakages, and ultimately boost domestic revenue collection towards the billion-dollar mark.