Ganta, Nimba County – April 16, 2026 – The Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) has successfully concluded a weeklong strategic retreat held at the PYJ Polytechnic University in Ganta City, Nimba County, bringing together senior officials to review and strengthen key administrative and human resource policies.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, LIS Commissioner General, Colonel Elijah Rufus, described the retreat as both timely and essential to the institution’s continued progress.
He noted that the gathering provided a strategic platform to critically examine existing policies, assess operational realities and collectively chart a more responsive and forward-looking path for the Service.
According to Commissioner General Rufus, discussions during the retreat highlighted that while LIS has made notable progress, there remains a
pressing need to modernize institutional systems, strengthen internal governance and improve service delivery.
“I am particularly encouraged by the strong emphasis placed on staff welfare,” he said.
“The decisions taken to enhance benefits, expand support mechanisms, and promote the well-being of LIS officers reflect a clear understanding that our greatest asset is our personnel.”
He further emphasized the importance of standardizing operations across the institution, including procurement processes and uniform management, stressing that discipline, order, and consistency must define LIS as a professional body.
The Commissioner General also underscored the need for greater inclusion of county commands in planning and decision-making processes, noting that the effectiveness of LIS as a national institution depends on how well it empowers and integrates its structures at all levels.
Additionally, he called for the alignment of LIS policies with the LIS Act, emphasizing that such efforts will require structured engagement with the Ministry of Justice and other relevant Government of Liberia (GOL) authorities.
Colonel Rufus expressed appreciation to his deputies, directors, sectional heads, and all participants for their dedication throughout the retreat.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Africanus S. Dolo, Administrative Assistant in the Office of the Mayor of Gompa City, emphasized the importance of strengthening security to support economic growth, particularly at key entry points in Nimba County.
He reaffirmed the city’s openness to partnerships with security institutions.
Cllr. John D. Miah, Attorney of Nimba County at the Ministry of Justice, also delivered remarks during the closing program.
Providing an overview of the retreat, LIS Deputy Commissioner General for Administration, Nelsco Aleo Wolo, thanked senior officers for their commitment and engagement. He noted that the retreat successfully reviewed, refined, and developed several key policy and governance instruments, including:
Personnel Welfare Policy
Procurement Regulations
Financial Policy
Fleet Management Policy
Administrative Instructions
Monitoring and Evaluation Policy
Operational Structures for Leeward Counties
