The President of the Republic of Liberia HE Joseph Nyuma Boakai has issued Executive Orders No. 141 and 142, mandating the registration of all firearms and suspending taxes on international goods and services. In an effort to strengthen national security and public safety, President Boakai issued Executive Order #141, mandating the registration of all firearms in civilian possession.
According to an Executive Mansion release dated February 24, 2025, the order comes in response to the growing national security threats posed by illicit firearms, including military-style weapons, which have contributed to rising incidents of armed violence, including armed robberies and other criminal activities.
President Boakai said that the proliferation of unregulated small arms poses significant risks to Liberia’s peace, security, and economic development. The Liberian leader said that under Executive Order #141, all individuals in possession of military-style weapons and single-barrel guns must register and obtain a permit and license from the Liberia National Commission on Arms (LiNCA) and the Liberia National Police (LNP) within a 12-month period from the effective date of the order.
According to Boakai, key provisions of the Executive Order include, mandatory registration of civilian-owned firearms following national firearms regulations, marking and recording of registered firearms in the national database to enhance traceability, voluntary surrender of illicit and unauthorized firearms, including craft weapons and military-style arms, to LiNCA for processing and potential registration and legal consequences for non-compliance, including administrative sanctions and criminal prosecution after the stipulated registration period.
He stated that the order aligns with Liberia’s commitments under international and regional arms control agreements, including the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty and the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons.
Boakai added that the government has also made significant strides in securing state-owned weapons through enhanced marking, inspection, and stockpile management.
At the same time, President Boakai has called the Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with LiNCA, will oversee the enforcement of the Executive Order, working closely with county and district authorities to ensure full compliance; adding that the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, alongside development partners, is expected to support the operational plan for implementation. The Liberian leader urged all firearm holders to comply within the specified timeframe to contribute to a safer and more secure Liberia.
President Boakai also issued Executive Order No. 142, which suspends the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on international travel services and replaces it with a fixed levy on airline tickets for passengers departing Liberia.
The decision, according to an Executive Mansion release dated February 24, 2025, comes as part of the Government’s commitment to strengthening revenue mobilization while addressing the persistent challenges associated with the collection of GST on airline tickets, particularly those purchased online. The new measure aims to minimize revenue leakages, ensure a more transparent and efficient collection process, and sustain economic growth.
With the signing of Executive Order No. 142, the president has suspended GST; the 10% GST previously imposed on the sale of international transport services (air, sea, and land), as well as services of travel agencies and ticket issuances.
Boakai explained that the introduction of Fixed Fees with a flat levy, will now be imposed on each ticket sold for international travel, with details to be determined by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) in consultation with the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA).
With Collection and Remittance; airlines, travel agencies, and other ticketing entities must collect the levy at the point of sale and remit proceeds to the LRA as per prescribed regulations.
President Boakai, “Enforcement and Compliance: The MFDP and LRA are mandated to ensure full implementation, with penalties for non-compliance under existing laws.”
As it relates to reporting, the LRA will submit regular reports on revenue performance to the MFDP to ensure transparency and accountability. The Liberian leader said that the order takes immediate effect and remains in force until further executive or legislative action.
President Boakai also reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to sound financial governance and ensuring that government revenues are effectively managed for national development. He called on all stakeholders to cooperate in implementing this new measure for the collective benefit of the country’s economy.
