Liberia Revenue Authority Surpasses US$500 Million in Domestic Revenue Collection.
By: Lawrence D. Kawala
The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) has announced a significant milestone, collecting over US$513.8 million in domestic revenue as of September 30, 2024. According to LRA Commissioner General James Dorbor Jallah, this achievement surpasses the revenue target by US$54.3 million, constituting 74% of the LRA’s annual goal.
The national budget for 2024 is set at US$738.86 million, with domestic revenue expected to contribute US$696.4 million. Commissioner Jallah highlighted that the LRA’s collections have been entirely from domestic sources, as no external contributions have been received so far. He acknowledged the crucial role of taxpayers in helping to achieve this impressive feat.
“We are encouraged by the progress we’ve made so far,” said Commissioner General Jallah. He praised the collaborative efforts of taxpayers, the LRA team, and various government agencies involved in revenue collection, stating that these efforts will bolster the government’s capacity to invest in public services and national development priorities.
Meanwhile, despite facing challenges, including what Jallah described as a “barrage of negative propaganda” against the LRA and its leadership, he urged all stakeholders to stay focused. He encouraged the public to seek information from reliable sources and continue working towards increasing domestic revenue.
The LRA emphasized its role in supporting the Ministry of Commerce with vehicle procurement to enhance revenue collection and strengthen the nation’s fiscal capacity. The agency clarified that the funds used for this purpose came from the Customs Capacity Building Fund generated through MedTech payments, and there were no elements of personal gain or corruption.
Furthermore, the vehicles procured are aimed at facilitating nationwide inspections to ensure compliance with business and tax regulations, which is expected to increase revenue collection. The LRA stated that such inter-agency support is common and is part of a broader strategy to achieve Liberia’s revenue targets.
Clarifying its partnership with MedTech, the LRA noted that the payment system operates under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Liberia, in line with the Liberia Revenue Code (Section 1822). The LRA assured that all funds used in this initiative are legitimate and legally sanctioned.
Commissioner General Jallah commended taxpayers and all stakeholders for their dedication to advancing the country’s revenue collection efforts. He expressed optimism that this momentum would continue to drive national development in Liberia.
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