IPNEWS: The Deputy Commissioner General for Administrative Affairs at the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), Samuel Bennett, Jr., has called for stronger collaboration among border security agencies, while warning against any acts of interference that could undermine the country’s revenue collection efforts.
Commissioner Bennett issued the caution during a meeting with officers of the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) and the Customs Department at the Liberia–Côte d’Ivoire border in Pedebo, Maryland County on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.
He emphasized that inter-agency cooperation and professionalism are essential to ensuring smooth and effective border operations and achieving the LRA’s national revenue target.
“Our mission is to reach one billion dollars in revenue collection for the Liberian people, and we will not tolerate any form of interference whatsoever,” Commissioner Bennett declared. “We have work to do, and we must operate as a team guided by international standards and best practices. Usurpation must not and will not be tolerated.”
Commissioner Bennett clarified the distinct roles of various border institutions, noting that Immigration and Customs are the first two sisterly agencies travelers encounter at Liberia’s borders.
“Immigration is responsible for passports, citizenship verification, and entry procedures. No Customs officer should interfere with those functions,” he said. “On the other hand, Customs and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) are mandated to search luggage, prevent the entry of contraband and illegal goods, and ensure compliance with customs and trade laws.”
He reaffirmed that the LRA Customs remains stringent on its core roles — protecting national revenue, facilitating international trade, and supporting social and economic development.
“I came here to understand, address, and resolve issues, including any incidents of interference that may affect revenue collection,” Bennett explained. “We are available to work with and train our partner agencies to enhance coordination. Our shared goal should be to serve Liberia with integrity and teamwork.”
Commissioner Bennett further highlighted that achieving the one-billion-dollar revenue target is a central part of Commissioner General James Dorbor Jallah’s vision for a more robust and accountable revenue administration.
Farkollie said some misunderstandings of roles by LIS officers had occasionally interfered with legitimate revenue collection activities.
Responding, LIS Chief Security Officer Philip P. Mawiamon welcomed the LRA delegation and pledged the Immigration Service’s full cooperation. “It is good that you have come here and we welcome you,” Mawiamon said.
The LIS security chief said there have been no intentional decision by the service to interfere with the work of the LRA, and they remain committed to their statutory roles. “We are here to protect Customs so they can collect duties. Some of our men may have acted out of lack of knowledge, but if Customs does not collect revenue, we will not get paid; so, we will work together to protect and support them, Mawiamon noted.”
Commissioner Bennett and his delegation are currently touring Customs and Tax Business Offices (CBOs and TBOs) across several counties. The tour aims to assess operational challenges, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and resolve issues requiring immediate management attention.
During the engagement, Senior Customs Collector Alexwyn S. Farkollie and deputies assigned at the Pedebo border, underscored the need for a cordial working relationship among joint border agencies.
