Sanniquellie, Nimba County –Samuel F. Kpakio, Chairman of the Liberia Land Authority (LLA), opened the Real Property Valuation Data Collector Training on February 22, 2026.
By D. Franklin Doloquee, Nimba County
The air hummed with excitement as dozens of eager trainees’ young data collectors from mining communities, government officials, township commissioners, city mayors, traditional leaders and partners from the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) packed a vibrant hall adorned with colorful banners proclaiming “Digital Transformation for Fair Taxation.”
Kpakio, dressed in a crisp suit against the tropical heat, addressed the crowd with measured gravitas. “This is a significant milestone in strengthening land governance, transparency and revenue mobilization,” he declared, his voice echoing off the concrete walls.
“This initiative represents more than just new technology it embodies reform, accountability and progress.”
He credited President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) for fueling the rollout, highlighting the government’s commitment to digital tools that streamline public services amid Liberia’s post-Ebola recovery and economic resurgence.
At the event’s core is a cutting-edge Real Property Valuation Software and Mobile App, developed in partnership with the LRA. This platform replaces outdated manual processes long plagued by delays, errors and disputes with precise, field-ready tools for property identification, GPS mapping, assessments, coding and management.
Trainees, clutching notebooks and smartphones, listened attentively as Kpakio emphasized their pivotal role. “You, the data collectors, are the backbone of this transformation,” he said.
Over the week-long session, these locals, many hailing from iron ore-rich towns like Ganta and Sanniquellie will learn door-to-door data gathering techniques tailored to Nimba’s mix of bustling urban markets, rural villages and sprawling mining settlements.
Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapea Gono rolled out the red carpet in a warm welcome, painting her county as Liberia’s “second-largest and fastest-growing economic and political hub.”
From the podium, amid cheers and rhythmic handclaps, she underscored the local stakes.
“Forward-moving people of Nimba, feel at home in our capital. When properties in Ganta, Sanniquellie and beyond are fairly evaluated, it unlocks revenue sharing that stays here funding roads, schools, and clinics instead of vanishing to Monrovia.”
She expressed gratitude to President Boakai for prioritizing local economies, adding that accurate valuations will empower residents too. “Need a loan for business Investors coming in. This gives you solid collateral no more guesswork or overpricing scams.”
Trainee James Dole , 28, from Ganta’s vibrant trading district, echoed the optimism. “This app ends the guesswork,” he said, fiddling with a demo device.
“Taxes will be fairer, and we’ll see real improvements like better hospitals in our mining towns.”
With over 12,000 properties already mapped in areas like in sever cities in Nimba’s sturdy homes built with local grit and contrasting shoddy structures elsewhere stand ready for the pilot.
Field teams, including youth from the recent 10,000 Digital Skills Training Program, will assess around 10,000 sites, feeding data into a national cadastre for ongoing reviews.
The project aligns with the 2018 Land Rights Act, targeting untapped property tax revenue estimated at millions annually in Liberia’s iron ore northeast. As international partners like the Urban Construction group phase out, officials stressed self-reliance:
“You’ll say, ‘I paid taxes, and now we have roads and hospitals,'” noted Liberia Land Authority (LLA) Vice Chairman for Administration and customer service, Joe K. Williams.
Nimba serves as the launch pad, with stakeholder meetings planned for Montserrado and Margibi Counties to ensure smooth nationwide expansion.As applause thundered and Kpakio cut the ceremonial ribbon, the message rang clear:
Liberia is embracing innovation. “Let this launch send a strong signal we’re building enduring systems for a just tax regime,” he concluded.
