The Commissioner General of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) Thomas Doe Nah urges employees and partners to think and progressively collect revenue for the Country. He wants the national budget increased from US$500 to US$1 billion.
Commissioner General Nah notes that for too long, “Our budget has been around US$500 million, but we have to work together and progressively to take it to US$1 billion. It is possible and we can do it.”
According to a press release, the LRA boss made the call at climax of this year’s International Customs Day (ICD) celebration, also calling on the joint security deployed at the country’s borders to work in harmony with Customs officers as they collect lawful revenue for the State.
The global theme for this year’s ICD celebrations is “Customs fostering Sustainability for People, Prosperity and the Planet,” with the intent of Customs administration around the world focusing on the contribution of Customs towards a sustainable future where social, economic, health and environmental needs are at the heart of its actions.
The Government of Liberia has been hit by decline in revenue generation in the last two years with a corresponding budget shortfall, leading to salary reduction in the public sector amid inflation and rising prices.
The Commissioner General says when other security units at the borders work with the LRA to collect revenue from international trade, itwould increase the country’s= annual budget from around US$500 million and boost the government’s capacity to fund development programs and improve basic social services in the country.
Annually held on January 26, International Customs Day (ICD)recognizes the role of custom officials and agencies in maintaining border security. It focuses on the working conditions and challenges that customs officers face in their jobs.
This year marked the 68th Observance, celebrated in Liberia by the LRA from January 27 to 28 in Grand Cape Mount County at BoWaterside. Bo is a major border town between Liberia and Sierra Leone.
The celebration included sporting activities and cultural performances with the local community, the joint security and Customs officers onboth sides of the border.
CG Nah urges the joint security (Liberia Immigration Service, Liberia National Police and the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency along with Customs) at Bo Waterside to be patriotic by putting Liberia first in their duties — to help make the country prosperous and successful among the comity of nations.
“You have to collaborate to collect the lawful revenue for Liberia,”the Commissioner General referred to the border management team, adding, “Remember that you are working here for your country and you have todo it with sincerity and diligence, and when you do that you will helplift Liberia among the comity of nations.”
He says despite the rough economic situation, there isa radiant of hope, vowing that his administration will take theLRA to another level of revenue collection.
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Customs is uniquely mandated and positioned at borders to play aprominent role across the international supply chain, ensuring asustainable, secure, and inclusive future for all.Press Release
