By Shallon S. Gonlor
Ganta, Nimba County – The Nimba County Service Center has recorded impressive revenue collection for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, amassing over L$9 million and US$1.1 million, according to Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono.
Superintendent Gono revealed the financial milestone during a recent government stakeholders’ engagement held in Gbarnga, Bong County, where she credited the achievement to effective teamwork, strict fiscal discipline, and robust collaboration between the county administration and the Nimba Legislative Caucus.
“None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the unwavering support and cooperation of the Nimba Legislative Caucus and the resilient people of Nimba,” Gono stated. She expressed deep appreciation for their collective drive toward development and emphasized the need to rebrand the county as a new hub for economic growth and opportunity outside Monrovia.
“The war is long over, and we have significant ground to cover in terms of development. Our goal is to decentralize progress and ensure Nimba becomes a beacon of sustainable growth,” the Superintendent affirmed.
Highlighting the county’s strong revenue performance, Superintendent Gono threw her weight behind President Joseph N. Boakai’s vision for fiscal decentralization. She called on the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) to implement a policy that would allow 40% of locally generated revenue to remain within Nimba County to fund development projects directly.
“If 40% of the revenue collected at our county service center were retained here, the impact would be transformative,” Gono explained. “It would alleviate financial pressures on the county administration and ensure that our people see tangible benefits from the revenue they generate.”
The bulk of the county’s revenue was derived from three key border crossings: the Ganta border with Guinea, the Lugatuo border with Ivory Coast, and the Tapitta border with Ivory Coast. These transit points serve as critical economic gateways, facilitating trade and commerce that contribute significantly to the county’s income.
On the issue of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s operations in the county, Superintendent Gono acknowledged concerns raised by local lawmakers regarding the company’s compliance with its Mineral Development Agreement (MDA). She assured that the county administration is actively engaged in mediation efforts to ensure the mining giant fulfills its obligations to affected communities.
“There is always room for improvement in how mining agreements are implemented,” Gono noted. “We are committed to ensuring that communities impacted by mining activities are fully included in negotiations and benefit equitably from these operations. We stand with our lawmakers in pushing for fair and just outcomes.”
Despite its revenue success, the Nimba County Service Center continues to face operational challenges, including unreliable electricity supply, delays in the disbursement of allotted funds, and logistical constraints. However, these hurdles have not hindered the center from delivering vital services to residents.
The center remains a critical access point for citizens seeking essential documents such as birth and marriage certificates, business registrations, and work permits. By streamlining bureaucratic processes, the facility aims to enhance efficiency and improve interactions between the government and the people it serves.
In her closing remarks, Superintendent Gono urged residents and stakeholders to remain steadfast in their support for local governance initiatives. She reiterated her administration’s dedication to inclusive development, transparency, and collaboration with all sectors to drive sustained progress in Nimba County.
“Now is the time to come together and build the Nimba we all envision—a county of opportunity, growth, and prosperity for every citizen,” Gono declared. “With continued partnership and shared commitment, we can achieve remarkable milestones for our people.”
The Nimba County Service Center is one of fifteen such facilities established across Liberia to bring government services closer to local communities. Its performance in the past fiscal year stands as a testament to the potential of decentralized governance and the importance of empowering counties to manage their resources effectively.
