Liberia’s 55th Legislature Grants Autonomous Status to Sea and Inland Ports in Historic Reform

Monrovia, Liberia: In a significant step toward port sector reform and infrastructure modernization, the House of Representatives has concurred with the Liberian Senate in passing a landmark bill granting autonomous status to the country’s sea and inland ports.

During its Twelfth Day Sitting of the Second Quarter of the Second Session of the 55th Legislature, the Lower House unanimously endorsed the Engrossed Bill entitled “An Act Amending the Maritime Law and Restating ‘An Act Creating an Independent Seaport and Inland Ports Regulatory Authority’”, which establishes the Liberia Sea and Inland Ports Regulatory Agency Act of 2024.

The newly passed legislation aims to enhance the regulation and sustainable development of Liberia’s port operations and services. It outlines the framework for creating an independent authority tasked with the orderly, transparent, and efficient oversight of all sea and inland ports.

Committee Endorsements: A Vision for Modernization

The House’s decision followed a detailed report by the Committee on Maritime, chaired by Maryland County Representative Austin Taylor. The committee emphasized the importance of:

Infrastructure Modernization: Targeted investments in port facilities to improve efficiency and competitiveness, with a focus on leveraging port-generated revenue and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI).

Technical Integration: Automation of operations and digital transformation to streamline port activities.

Human Resource Development: Capacity-building programs aimed at improving skills and fostering technical expertise among port personnel.

Strategic Importance

This legislative move is seen as a transformative effort to position Liberia’s ports as key drivers of economic growth and regional trade.

By granting autonomy to port operations, the government aims to foster a more responsive and regulatory environment that can respond swiftly to market needs and attract critical infrastructure investments.

The Act now awaits full implementation through the establishment of the new regulatory agency, which is expected to begin operations later this year.