Monrovia, Liberia — The National Port Authority (NPA) has congratulated the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) for reaching US$1 billion in domestic revenue, noting that about US$215 million of the total was collected through customs operations at Liberia’s ports.
The NPA said its investments in port operations helped create the conditions that allowed customs officers to process imports and collect government revenue more efficiently.
According to the Authority, investments in 24-hour port operations, faster gate services and reduced truck turnaround times have improved the movement of goods through the ports while supporting customs activities.
NPA Managing Director Sekou A. M. Dukuly, in a message to employees, credited port workers for their role in keeping operations running around the clock.
“I congratulate NPA employees who worked around the clock to keep our ports operating and to support customs officers in collecting government revenue,” Dukuly said.
He added that the cooperation between NPA employees, the LRA and other port stakeholders shows how improved port operations can contribute to increased government revenue.
The NPA said it remains committed to supporting customs operations by financing and improving the environment in which customs officers work.
However, the Authority also warned that Liberia’s economic activity is growing faster than the capacity of some existing port infrastructure.
The NPA said additional investment in port expansion, modernization and efficiency could allow Liberia to handle more trade, improve customs collection and increase domestic revenue over the next two years.
The Authority said it expects improved port capacity and operations to play a larger role in supporting government revenue as trade volumes increase.
The LRA’s US$1 billion revenue milestone comes as the government continues efforts to increase domestic revenue and reduce dependence on external financing.
