The Customs Department of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) Thursday (Nov 23) commenced a two-day Integrated Border Management (IBM) Security workshop in Ganta, Nimba County. The workshop aims to strengthen cross-agency collaboration and understanding among various security bodies responsible for border control and management.

The workshop brings together representatives from joint security agencies including the Liberia National Police, Liberia Immigration Service, National Security Agency, and the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency. Over 30 dedicated border security personnel are actively engaging in the exercise.

Assistant Customs Commissioner for Ports Operations, Edwin F. Kendema, encouraged active participation and emphasized the significance of understanding the Integrated Border Security Management framework outlined in the workshop.

At the heart of the discussion is the document crafted by collaborating members of the attending security agencies. The document and strategy were formulated in response to an earlier survey, which underscored the overlapping mandates and lack of clarity within border security agencies.

The IBM strategy of Liberia delineates the specific roles and responsibilities of each sector/agency, aiming to streamline operations and ensure coherence among all stakeholders.

“The objective of this workshop is to foster a comprehensive understanding of our respective roles at the border, thereby facilitating unhindered trade, smooth movement of goods, people, and services,” highlighted Assistant Commissioner Kendema.

The goal, he said, “is to reinforce individual mandates in an integrated manner, ensuring efficient and effective border management.”

Moreover, Atty. D. Blamo Kofa, Assistant Commissioner for Customs Compliance and Enforcement Division, delivered an insightful presentation outlining the Legal Framework and Structure of IBM.

He outlined the related laws associated with implementation, informing participants of their specific roles and urging strict adherence to these mandates for seamless and professional border management.

The LRA is spearheading this initiative, recognizing its crucial role in facilitating free trade, revenue maximization, and border security and protection for Liberia.

This collaborative effort among various security agencies underscores a shared commitment to bolstering border security, growing customs revenue and ensuring national prosperity.

As the deliberations continue, the participants remain dedicated to shaping a more integrated and efficient border management landscape for the collective benefit of Liberia.

They are looking forward to gaining comprehensive knowledge, clarifying roles, fostering collaboration, maintaining professionalism, and engaging in open discussions to enhance their understanding and implementation of integrated border management principles.