The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport (MoT), Liberia National Police (LNP), and the National Federation of Motor and Tricycles Association of Liberia (NAFOMTAL), has launched a heightened compliance enforcement exercise across four counties aimed at improving vehicle and business registration.

The initiative, focused on Margibi, Bong, Nimba, and Grand Bassa Counties, seeks to ensure that motorcycles, vehicles, tricycles, and transport-related businesses are fully compliant with Liberia’s vehicle and traffic laws. This includes proper registration of vehicles and ensuring that owners and operators are duly licensed. The enforcement drive forms part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance domestic resource mobilization and increase tax compliance.

Operators and owners of motorcycles, tricycles, and vehicles have welcomed the government’s effort to decentralize the registration process, making it more accessible for citizens to meet their tax obligations. Many expressed satisfactions with the initiative, noting its importance in promoting lawful conduct and patriotism. They also encouraged their peers to comply with registration requirements, stressing the value of contributing to national development through tax compliance.

LRA Assistant Commissioner for Government and Not-for-Profit Division, Eddie H. Howe, emphasized the critical role this initiative plays in decentralizing revenue collection and expanding Liberia’s tax base.

“We view this as a significant step in our efforts to decentralize revenue collection and broaden the country’s tax net,” Howe stated. He commended the collaborative efforts between the LRA, MoT, and other key stakeholders, noting that these partnerships are vital for ensuring the continued success of revenue generation to support national development, including the delivery of essential services.

Howe underscored the need for ongoing engagement and cooperation with stakeholders to create more opportunities for owners and operators of motorcycles, tricycles, and vehicles to obtain the necessary licenses while contributing to revenue collection.

Shadrach D. Brown, Director of Press and Public Affairs at the Ministry of Transport also praised the joint effort. He highlighted the importance of the partnership in achieving a comprehensive revenue collection strategy while reducing the logistical challenges faced by operators in securing license plates and driver’s licenses.

From March to August 2024, the government has collected over US$7 million in revenue from motor vehicle registrations nationwide. This joint enforcement initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to fostering tax compliance and adopting a more inclusive approach to national revenue collection.