LRA boss outlines challenges

Liberia Revenue Authority or LRA Commissioner General Elfrieda Stewart Tamba, has identified fraud and corruption in the revenue system, weak management information system, low tax compliance from the public, absence of e-filing system, e-payment and tax register, amongst other revenue protection software infrastructure as key tools lacking in Liberia.

She said while the LRA as a new establishment has made some positive strides, there were many hefty challenges facing the institution. According to a press release, the LRA boss made the disclosure recently when the Country Representative of the United Nations Development Program here, Kamil Kamaluddeen, paid her a working visit in Paynesville.

Commissioner General Tamba lauded the UNDP for its support including provision of funding for a modern data center for the Liberia Revenue Authority. She stressed the need for more technical assistance and capacity building in enhancing professionalism, efficiency and the effectiveness of the LRA as it administers the country’s revenue sector.

Mrs. Tamba indicated that the LRA is committed to achieving its mission of being a professional revenue administrator of international standard, including professionally, efficiently and successfully collecting all lawful revenues of Liberia as well as to facilitate legitimate trade and social protection for the country.

Earlier, UNDP Country Representative Kamaluddeen lauded officials of the LRA for progressively managing the country’s revenue administration. Mr. Kamaluddeen said he was pleased with the progress and vision of the LRA, assuring the UNDP’s continuing support in making the Authority more efficient.

“This is really, really impressive. We have seen the level of organization, level of focus and also the level of results, and I have to congratulate you and your deputies. I am very excited about your work,” the UNDP Boss told LRA Commissioner General Elfrieda Stewart Tamba after she made a presentation on progress, achievements, challenges and prospects of the entity.

Mr. Kamaluddeen pledged UNDP’s continuous support to the LRA through what he described as a “partnership that will grow.” He said there were ongoing discussions between the LRA and the UNDP in areas of technical assistance and promised to push the LRA’s case at headquarters as the UNDP is prepared to work with the LRA to serve the public better.

The LRA is, among others, seeking support of the UNDP to support for a national revenue summit as well as technical assistance for Domestic Resource Mobilization Strategy and the funding of airport scanner.