Monrovia, Liberia: Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has issued a firm presidential directive requiring all public officials to settle their real property tax obligations in full, in keeping with the National Code of Conduct and the Liberia Revenue Code.

The directive, which takes immediate effect, applies to all appointed government officials, including ministers, deputy and assistant ministers, directors, commissioners, and mid-level managers across state institutions.

According to the mandate, all officials must demonstrate compliance with the law by paying all outstanding property taxes owed on privately owned real estate, current property tax obligations for Fiscal Year 2025 and arrears from previous years, either in full or through binding payment agreements arranged with the Liberia Revenue Authority.

The officials are also requested to provide evidence of compliance by obtaining and submitting a valid Tax Clearance Certificate to their respective institutions within 60 days.

The presidential mandate set October 31 this year as the deadline for compliance after which enforcement actions will be taken.

According to an Executive Mansion release, oversight and enforcement of the directive will be carried out jointly by the LRA, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), the Civil Service Agency (CSA), and the Bureau of State Enterprises (BSE).

The directive indicates that, officials who fail to comply will be deemed in violation of the National Code of Conduct and the Revenue Code and will face a range of penalties to include, accruedinterest charges on unpaid taxes and salary deductions until obligations are settled.

Other actions to be taken against would be violators are withholding of government benefits and entitlements and additional legal sanctions as prescribed by the laws of Liberia.

In a strong message on leadership by example, President Boakai also called on members of the Legislature and Judiciary to follow suit by ensuring their own properties are free of tax obligations and by filing their tax clearance certificates through their respective secretariats.

The President stressed that the measure is not just about compliance but also about strengthening Liberia’s public financial management system and reinforcing government credibility in revenue collection.

“This measure is necessary to promote fiscal accountability, transparency, and revenue integrity across government adding that public officials must lead the way in honoring their civic obligations if citizens are to be encouraged to do the same. President Boakai declared.

The new directive is seen as part of President Boakai’s broader push for fiscal discipline, revenue mobilization, and the fight against corruption, signaling his administration’s determination to ensure that the rule of law applies equally across all levels of government.

In the past, the LRA issued similar directives, but compliance from government officials fell short of the required level.

Written By: Jerry Laynumah Siakor