MONROVIA – The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), through its Customs Department, has concluded a weeklong technical training program for customs officers in Ganta, Nimba County, strengthening the technical capacity of customs officers to support more efficient border management, facilitate legitimate trade, and enhance domestic revenue mobilization.
The in-service training brought together customs officers from various Customs Business Offices across Liberia to strengthen their technical knowledge and operational competencies in core areas of customs administration. Topics covered included Customs Valuation, Harmonized System (HS) Classification, and Rules of Origin. Participants also received hands-on guidance on customs examinations.
The practical, skills-based training was designed to equip officers with the knowledge and tools needed to apply customs laws consistently, improve operational efficiency, and deliver quality service at border posts nationwide.
Staff from the Communication Section and Taxpayer Services Division (TPSD) also participated to deepen their understanding of customs operations and strengthen taxpayer education and stakeholder engagement through more accurate, informed, and effective communication.
Delivering the closing remarks over the weekend, Edwin F. Kendema, Assistant Commissioner for Customs Ports Operations, commended participants for their active engagement and commitment throughout the training. He reaffirmed that continuous professional development remains a strategic priority of the Customs Department as it works to strengthen the technical competencies of customs officers nationwide.
Mr. Kendema noted that the training forms part of the Customs Department’s broader modernization strategy to improve compliance with international customs standards and best practices, facilitate legitimate trade, strengthen border security, and enhance domestic revenue mobilization through efficient and effective customs administration.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Pandora Gbahn, Customs Collector at the Ganta Customs Business Office, thanked the facilitators for delivering a timely and impactful refresher program.
“This refresher training has strengthened our understanding of key customs procedures and enhanced our ability to apply them effectively in our daily work. We appreciate the facilitators for their dedication and are confident the knowledge gained will improve our service delivery,” Mrs. Gbahn said.
The first cohort comprised 35 customs officers. A second cohort of 35 additional officers is expected to participate in the next phase of the Customs Department’s nationwide professional development program. The initiative is designed to ensure that LRA customs officers across Liberia receive standardized technical training that strengthens operational excellence, promotes the consistent application of customs procedures, and supports the Authority’s modernization agenda.
Through sustained investment in professional development, the LRA is building a highly skilled, professional, and accountable customs workforce capable of facilitating legitimate trade, safeguarding Liberia’s borders, strengthening compliance, and contributing to sustainable domestic revenue mobilization and national development.
