By: Contributing Writer
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has strongly reaffirmed the importance of the National Port Authority (NPA) to Liberia’s economic recovery and trade growth, while delivering his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) in 2026.
The President’s remarks clearly signaled national support for the reform agenda being implemented by the NPA Management Team, headed by Managing Director Sekou A. M. Dukuly, along with the Board of Directors.
President Boakai said the NPA remains central to improving trade facilitation, strengthening national revenue, and transforming Liberia’s maritime sector. He described ongoing port reforms as critical to reducing the cost of doing business and improving efficiency at the country’s main seaports.
Breaking Monopoly, Creating Competition
The President highlighted a major outcome of his recent engagement in Morocco, where discussions with Tanger Med, a leading port development company, resulted in a commitment to invest in port equipment, logistics systems, and terminal infrastructure at the Freeport of Monrovia.
According to him, this investment will support the expansion of the Freeport and the construction of modern bulk cargo terminals at the LMC Pier.
President Boakai explained that these developments will help ease congestion at the port, expand terminal operations, and structurally reduce high port-related costs. He noted that the move will also address a long-standing monopoly at the Freeport by opening the port system to competition, improving service delivery, increasing transparency, and rationalizing tariffs.
With new bulk cargo capacity at the LMC Pier, port authorities expect reduced vessel waiting time, faster cargo handling, decongested berths, and improved turnaround time. These improvements are expected to benefit importers, exporters, shipping lines, and consumers across the country.
Aligning with NPA’s Reform Agenda
The President said these efforts align directly with the NPA’s RESET Agenda, which focuses on reclaiming operational control, modernizing port services, strengthening logistics chains, and positioning Liberia as a competitive maritime gateway in West Africa.
He further disclosed that detailed master plans for the Ports of Monrovia and Buchanan have been completed. These plans provide a clear framework for phased infrastructure upgrades, terminal expansion, channel improvement, and long-term growth in port capacity.President Boakai noted that tariff reforms already introduced by the NPA are producing positive results, including increased revenue and improved financial sustainability. At the same time, the reforms are promoting fairness, transparency, and predictability for port users.
Toward a 24-Hour Port Economy
Looking ahead, the President outlined key initiatives aimed at transforming Liberia’s maritime economy. These include expanding the Freeport of Monrovia, developing bulk cargo terminals at the LMC Pier, dredging to allow larger vessels, reducing congestion and logistics costs, and transitioning to full 24-hour port operations.
He said these plans support reforms already underway, such as the restoration of night navigation, installation of navigational aids, berth optimization, and the shift toward round-the-clock port activity. Once fully implemented, the measures are expected to increase cargo volumes, lower port charges, boost trade competitiveness, and strengthen national revenue. Presidential Vote of ConfidencePresident Boakai’s recognition of the NPA during his SONA was described as more than praise. It represents a clear vote of confidence in the leadership, direction, and capacity of the NPA Management Team and its Board. The President emphasized that port reforms are not isolated actions but form a key part of Liberia’s broader economic recovery and national development strategy.
