MONROVIA – April 16, 2026 – The National Benefit Sharing Trust (NBST) Board is under scrutiny over its handling of community forestry funds after it terminated Mr. Roberto T. Kollie despite an independent report clearing him of wrongdoing.
Kollie served as Head of the NBST Secretariat from January 2021 until his suspension in January 2025. He says the Board, chaired by Solomon S. Peters, removed him for pushing accountability in the management of community funds.
Why and When the NBST Board Was Established The NBST Board was established by the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) under Section 14.2 of the 2006 National Forestry Reform Law and Section 34 of the 2009 Community Rights Law with Respect to Forest Lands. Its mandate is to manage and disburse the 30% share of land rental fees paid by logging companies to communities affected by commercial forestry operations.
The Board was formally constituted to ensure that funds from Forest Management Contracts (FMCs) and Timber Sale Contracts (TSCs) reach affected communities for local development projects.
Background of the Dispute As Secretariat Head, Kollie oversaw millions of dollars intended for rural development. The dispute began in November 2024 when Edward Teah, a community leader from Grand Gedeh County, accused Kollie of financial misconduct, including soliciting kickbacks and withholding community checks. Kollie denies the accusation. He says he withheld the checks because the Board head allegedly created “fake communities” to divert money from legitimate ones. “I held those checks because I discovered names of communities that do not exist in the forest concession areas. They were created by the Board leadership to siphon funds meant for real people,” Kollie said. “When I refused to sign off on them and rejected being part of that scheme, they started the process to remove me.”The Board suspended Kollie in January 2025 and notified the FDA.
Cleared by Investigation, Then Dismissed The FDA appointed an Independent Investigative Committee of lawyers and civil society members. In its May 8, 2025 final report, the Committee found Kollie not guilty and recommended reinstatement: “Mr. Roberto Kollie should be recalled and reinstated to his post.” It also urged a full audit and governance reforms.
Despite the findings, the NBST Board sent Kollie a letter on July 7, 2025 stating his contract ended January 2, 2025 and would not be renewed “due to administrative reasons.”Observers say the Board’s decision contradicts the report and raises concerns about governance in the forestry sector.
Demand for Payment In an August 29, 2025 letter, Kollie asked the Board to pay unpaid salary, severance, and other benefits. He copied the FDA, Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), and the Ministry of Finance, giving the Board two weeks to comply or face legal action.
“In a country where the government is fighting corruption, the NBST Board that manages millions of dollars for affected communities is targeting a staff to lose his job simply because he has fought to uphold accountability,” Kollie wrote.
FDA Response The FDA received the report. On June 16, 2025, Managing Director Rudolph J. Merab, Sr. wrote the Board directing it to complete the audit by September 30, 2025. The FDA did not order the Board to reinstate Kollie.
Civil society groups say the case tests the government’s anti-corruption commitment. “You can’t claim to fight corruption but stand by when a whistleblower is punished for doing the right thing,” one member said.
Labour Ministry Hearings Kollie filed a complaint with the Ministry of Labour. The Ministry scheduled a hearing for February 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM, summoning both parties. The NBST Board has not attended the hearings.
Legal experts say the matter could proceed to court and become a key case on whistleblower protection and labour rights in Liberia’s forestry sector. Kollie’s lawyers are reviewing potential claims including wrongful dismissal and breach of labour law.
When contacted the NBST Board head Mr. Solomon Peters told Dnnews the matter is before the Court.
