In a decisive action to protect national revenue and uphold institutional integrity, the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) has terminated 46 employees involved in fraudulent activities. This announcement was made by Commissioner General Dorbor Jallah during a regular press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism.
“After months of investigation and exhausting all administrative processes, we have made the difficult decision to terminate the employment of 46 LRA staff,” Jallah stated. “These employees engaged in serious misconduct, leaving us with no choice but to part ways with them.”
The dismissed employees abused a temporary medical reimbursement system introduced in 2024. While the system aimed to assist staff with genuine medical needs, some employees colluded with outsiders to submit fake receipts for reimbursement.
This behavior violated the LRA’s Professional Code of Ethics and policies against theft, fraud, and misappropriation of funds. “Fraudulent conduct has no place in this institution,” Jallah emphasized, urging remaining staff to recommit to the LRA’s core values: Service, Teamwork, Integrity, and Commitment.
These dismissals come amid positive revenue collection trends. Over the past eleven years, Liberia’s domestic revenue rose from US$463.8 million in 2014 to US$699.7 million in 2024. The LRA has set a total revenue target of US$880.6 million for 2025, which includes US$804.6 million in domestic revenue—a 15% increase from 2024.
As of September 2025, the LRA had already collected US$562.1 million, representing 70% of the domestic revenue target. Performance across departments shows promise. The Domestic Tax Department has achieved 68% of its target, while the Customs Department has exceeded expectations at 76%.
Income and profit taxes have met 75% of their targets, although compliance for goods, services, and property taxes has been slightly lower. To enhance revenue mobilization, the LRA is implementing multiple technological initiatives. Electronic Fiscal Devices (EFDs) have been redeployed to 98 businesses, with a second phase targeting medium and large taxpayers.
The LRA has also introduced excise stamps for alcohol and cigarettes to combat smuggling and internal fraud. Additionally, N-Soft’s Operator Revenue Auditing System (ORAS) monitors digital transactions across telecom, mobile money, and sports betting platforms to identify revenue leakages.
Tax payments are now being digitized through Orange Money and Mobile Money platforms. The LRA has upgraded its ASYCUDA and LITAS systems, deploying Starlink satellite terminals at Trading and Customs Border Offices. Staff training on these systems is underway, and a live revenue reporting dashboard, along with an online whistleblower platform, is set to enhance transparency.
The LRA is also implementing its Customs Strategic Plan (CSP) and Domestic Revenue Mobilization (DRM) Strategy, with annual costs estimated at US$39–40 million. These initiatives aim to exceed US$1 billion in domestic revenue, supporting the government’s Agenda for Accelerated Infrastructure Development (AAID), which requires US$8.4 billion for infrastructure and economic transformation.
Infrastructure projects include a Destination Inspection Facility capable of inspecting 32 containers simultaneously, expected to be operational by June 2026. Preparations for nationwide VAT implementation will begin in June 2026, with full rollout planned for 2027. The Customs Security Program continues to strengthen enforcement at ports and borders.
The dismissal of the 46 employees underscores the LRA’s commitment to revenue protection. All LRA officers, including drivers, have declared their assets to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), and disciplinary measures have been enforced against those involved in criminal activities. Commissioner General Jallah concluded: “The LRA is committed to its mission of collecting revenue for national development. We call on all staff to recommit to our core values as we strengthen the Authority and foster a culture of accountability.”
