IPNEWS: The Commissioner General of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), James Dorbor Jallah, has hailed the groundbreaking and site handover ceremony for the ECOWAS Joint Border Post at Bo Waterside–Jendema as a historic milestone toward deeper regional integration, enhanced trade, and modernized customs administration.
The ceremony, held over the weekend at the Liberia–Sierra Leone border in Bo Waterside, Grand Cape Mount County, brought together senior government officials from both nations, ECOWAS representatives, and local stakeholders.
Once completed, the Bo Waterside–Jendema Joint Border Post is expected to significantly reduce border crossing time for traders and travelers, strengthen customs controls and security, boost revenue mobilization, and provide a safer and more efficient environment for cross-border commerce.
The US$26 million project, fully funded by ECOWAS, will be implemented over a 24-month period beginning November 26, 2025, with completion expected by November 25, 2027.
Commissioner General Jallah described the initiative as a major achievement not only for Liberia and Sierra Leone but also for ECOWAS in its ongoing efforts to ease cross-border trade and reinforce cooperation among member states.
CG Jallah emphasized that the facility marks a significant step toward customs modernization within the Mano River Union, calling it the backbone of trade facilitation. He noted that the Bo Waterside–Jendema Joint Border Post will be one of the most strategic customs infrastructures in the sub-region.
He further highlighted the project as a reflection of the region’s shared aspiration to create jobs, expand trade, deepen cooperation, and ensure the free movement of people, goods, and services across West Africa—describing it as a flagship ECOWAS regional integration initiative.
The LRA Commissioner General reaffirmed the Authority’s full commitment to supporting both the implementation and future operations of the Joint Border Post.
He also lauded ECOWAS for its longstanding support to Liberia and the LRA, noting that the organization’s assistance has produced tangible results, including equipment support, strategic engagement on the LRA’s modernization agenda, capacity development, technical assistance in implementing the Value Added Tax (VAT) regime, institutional strengthening, and collaboration on customs reforms and domestic revenue mobilization.
CG Jallah praised the strong partnership between the Liberia Revenue Authority and Sierra Leone’s National Revenue Authority (NRA), saying both institutions continue to demonstrate what is possible when revenue administrations collaborate in the true spirit of ECOWAS solidarity. He further commended his Sierra Leonean counterpart, Commissioner General Jeneba Bangura, for her leadership in advancing coordinated border management, joint customs operations, and mutual capacity building.
In her remarks, ECOWAS Vice President Damtien L. Tchintchibidja said the Bo Waterside–Jendema Joint Border Post represents a modern and effective instrument for transport and trade promotion, designed to eliminate persistent barriers to the smooth movement of people and goods across borders.
She explained that the Joint Border Post model integrates modern infrastructure tailored to cross-border traffic needs, interconnected ICT systems, a harmonized legal framework between neighboring states, and simplified, coordinated customs procedures aligned with continental best practices under the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Madam Tchintchibidja described the project as a vital link along major regional transport corridors, contributing directly to the free movement of people, goods, and services, and supporting sustainable economic development. She added that the initiative forms part of activities commemorating ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary.
The ECOWAS Vice President commended the collaboration among all stakeholders—including government officials and host communities in Liberia and Sierra Leone—and called for their continued support throughout the project’s implementation.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials from both countries, including Liberia’s Minister of Justice, Cllr. Oswald Tweh, among others.
