The Customs Department of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) has launched its three-day annual retreat at the Farmington Hotel, aimed at enhancing institutional capacity to support Liberia’s historic domestic revenue target of US$1.25 billion for fiscal year 2026.
At the opening of the retreat, Customs Commissioner Saa Saamoi emphasized the pivotal role Customs plays in meeting the ambitious national revenue goal. He reminded officers that the LRA is tasked with collecting over US$1 billion this year, with Customs responsible for a significant portion of that amount.
“We, as the LRA, have over one billion dollars to collect this year, and Customs carries a critical share of this responsibility,” Commissioner Saamoi said, highlighting the strategic importance of border revenue and trade facilitation to Liberia’s fiscal stability.
Revenue projections indicate that of the US$1.25 billion target for 2026, domestic revenue is expected to contribute US$1.176 billion, while external resources will add US$72 million. Within this framework, the Customs Department is projected to generate US$281 million, and the Domestic Tax Department approximately US$895.8 million.
Commissioner Saamoi praised Customs officers nationwide for their professionalism, integrity, and dedication, noting that their efforts helped the LRA exceed revenue targets over the past two years. However, he urged staff to aim even higher in 2026, describing the target as unprecedented and calling for renewed commitment, innovation, and efficiency.
He also acknowledged the contributions of other LRA departments and the compliance of the taxpaying public, which have been instrumental in recent revenue gains.
The retreat provides a platform for reflection, performance assessment, and accountability. Participants will review 2025 outcomes, identify successes and challenges, and adjust strategies to enhance efficiency and results in the year ahead.
Bringing together senior and technical Customs officers along with representatives from across the LRA, the retreat fosters cross-departmental dialogue, knowledge sharing, and strategic alignment. Organizers say the exercise reinforces the Authority’s commitment to a coordinated, results-driven approach to revenue mobilization as Liberia pursues its most ambitious domestic revenue target to date.
