Monrovia, Liberia: The Liberian Senate has formally withdrawn the controversial port autonomy bills that sought to reform the country’s port governance system, following consultations with the Executive and other key stakeholders.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., in a letter dated January 21, 2026, confirmed that his office received official communication from the Legislature informing him of the decision to withdraw the two bills. The bills include: An Act Amending Chapter VI of the Public Authorities Law Creating the National Port Authority and to Establish the Liberia Sea and Inland Ports Decentralization and Modernization Act of 2025, and the Liberia Sea and Inland Ports Regulatory Act of 2025. In line with the request, President Boakai returned the bills to the Legislature for further adjustments, commending lawmakers for their commitment to ensuring the reforms are inclusive and beneficial to the Liberian people.
According to the Senate, the bills were originally resubmitted to the President on January 2, 2026, after lawmakers reviewed concerns raised by the Executive about provisions that conflicted with existing laws. The legislation was part of a broader reform agenda by the Senate and House of Representatives aimed at decentralizing economic activities and promoting development in Liberia’s port cities and counties.
However, the Legislature explained that after several consultative meetings, various stakeholders—including members of the business community and port management experts—provided additional inputs to improve the transition and implementation plans for port autonomy. Lawmakers said these contributions highlighted the need to further strengthen the bills to ensure the ports become more viable and deliver greater economic benefits to the country.
As a result, the Legislature decided to withdraw both bills from the Office of the President to incorporate the new recommendations. The Senate indicated that the revised versions of the bills are expected to be finalized and resubmitted within two weeks after further review and passage.
The Legislature expressed appreciation to President Boakai for his cooperation and reaffirmed its commitment to concluding the port reform process in a way that supports national growth and development.
