By Jessica Cox
The Liberia Revenue Authority has taken a major step towards Liberia’s customs and trade infrastructure with a digital mission of six customs business offices and the launch of the new online digital free application platform. During the briefing, Minister Piah ighlighted that this initial is part of the LRA’s ongoing process to ensure more accurate, efficient and transparent revenue system.
According to him, the LRA custom department has deployed a continental system of custom brokers at the Robert International Airport , Bo- waterside, Port of Buchanan, Yeakepa, Ganta and most recently Logatuo. “The move marks one of the significant digital upgrades in Liberia’s digital operations years especially in rural areas.”
Meanwhile, the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) has also begun a weeklong review and update of its Customs Department’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to align with its digital transformation agenda.
Led by the EDQARD Division, the exercise is updating 30 Customs SOPs to reflect current realities, including tech advancements and the shift from SIGTAS to LITAS. Customs officers, along with stakeholders from Legal, Internal Audit, Risk, and others, are actively involved.
According to Mr. Thomas Jallah, Manager for EDQARD, SOPs play a crucial role in institutional efficiency by clarifying responsibilities, outlining required tools, and specifying expected outcomes—thereby fostering public and taxpayer confidence.
“These 30 SOPs provide step-by-step instructions to ensure consistency and quality in how tasks and processes are performed, particularly within the Customs Department,” he said. “In a revenue-generating entity like the LRA, SOPs are essential for promoting efficiency, transparency, accountability, and compliance, while eliminating confusion and operational conflicts,” he said.
“This is your process—you are creating the tools you’ll use,” said Atty. William Buku, urging officers to take ownership. Internal Audit’s Rufus Mahn emphasized their support role in ensuring efficiency and good governance. SOPs are key to professionalism, transparency, and service excellence—core to the LRA’s mission and Liberia’s growth.
