The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) marked International Customs Day 2025 with a resounding commitment to enhancing national security, streamlining customs procedures, and driving economic growth. Themed “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity,” the event showcased the LRA’s multifaceted approach to modernizing customs operations, fortifying border security, and bolstering Liberia’s presence in international trade. Central to the celebration was the recognition of customs’ pivotal role not just in revenue generation but also in safeguarding national borders and fostering economic well-being. The LRA highlighted its ongoing digital transformation initiatives, emphasizing their impact on efficiency, transparency, and attracting foreign investment.
A key focus of the LRA’s modernization efforts is the digitalization of customs procedures. Commissioner of Customs, Saah Saamoi, underscored the importance of this transformation in streamlining processes, minimizing delays, enhancing revenue collection, and mitigating corruption risks. By automating customs operations, the LRA aims to create a more efficient and transparent system, beneficial to both the public and private sectors. This modernization drive is not solely about improving speed and efficiency; it is also about promoting transparency and attracting foreign investment, thereby strengthening Liberia’s competitive edge in the global market. This emphasis on modernization reflects the LRA’s dedication to creating a trade environment that is both efficient and secure.
Beyond the technological advancements, the LRA emphasized the crucial role of customs in upholding national security. Commissioner Saamoi reiterated that customs operations extend beyond revenue collection to encompass safeguarding Liberia’s borders. By strengthening customs procedures, the LRA contributes directly to national security, ensuring the nation’s safety and stability. This integrated approach underscores the LRA’s understanding of the interconnectedness between efficient customs operations and national security. The modernization efforts, therefore, are not just about improving trade but also about building a more secure framework for the country.
Former Senator Alphonso Gaye echoed this sentiment, highlighting the critical connection between customs, national prosperity, and security. He emphasized the significance of Liberia’s regional partnerships, particularly within ECOWAS, in enhancing trade security and fostering economic growth. Gaye commended the LRA’s leadership within ECOWAS, noting the positive impact of collaborations with neighboring countries like Sierra Leone and The Gambia on regional customs practices and trade security. He expressed pride in Liberia’s proactive role in shaping a more secure trade environment within West Africa. This regional collaboration is seen as crucial for reducing cross-border crime and promoting stronger trade relations within the region.
LRA Commissioner General, James Dorbor Jallah, further emphasized the importance of human capital development in achieving these goals. He highlighted the Customs Security Program (CSP) as instrumental in equipping officers with the necessary knowledge and skills to address evolving security threats at Liberia’s borders. Jallah noted that over 80% of LRA officers have received training and reaffirmed the commitment to continued investment in specialized courses to prepare officers for emerging security challenges. This focus on training underscores the LRA’s dedication to investing in its workforce to enhance border protection and combat illegal activities such as smuggling and human trafficking. Jallah assured the public that border security remains a top priority for the LRA in its mission to safeguard Liberia in an increasingly interconnected world.
The International Customs Day celebration concluded with a poignant tribute to eight LRA officers who lost their lives in service to the nation. This solemn remembrance served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by customs officers in their dedication to ensuring border security. The LRA’s commitment to modernization, training, and regional partnerships, coupled with the recognition of the sacrifices made by its officers, underscores the agency’s holistic approach to strengthening customs operations for the benefit of Liberia’s security and prosperity. The event served not only as a celebration of achievements but also as a reaffirmation of the LRA’s commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation to the evolving landscape of global trade and security.
