"Atty. Neto Z. Lighe Sets Sail: Modernizing Liberia's Maritime Landscape”

Monrovia-Atty. Neto Z. Lighe, the Commissioner-designate of the Liberian Maritime Authority, has outlined an ambitious vision aimed at modernizing Liberia's maritime sector to drive economic growth, tackle unemployment, and enhance transportation accessibility. During his confirmation hearing at the honorable house of the Liberian senate, he emphasized the importance of supporting various aspects of maritime infrastructure and services to bolster Liberia's economy.

In his address to the Senate Committee on Maritime, Neto highlighted the necessity of developing coastal and inland water transportation networks, ship bunkering services, ship demolition and recycling facilities, and other crucial maritime support services. He underscored the significance of these initiatives in aligning with President Joseph N. Boakai's ARREST Agenda, particularly the Transportation Pillar, by offering alternative transportation options and fostering economic development.

The unconfirmed said the  potential of coastal and inland water transportation to contribute to Liberia's blue economy—a concept endorsed by the World Bank, focusing on sustainable utilization of ocean resources for economic and societal benefits while preserving marine ecosystems. By investing in maritime infrastructure and services, Lighe believes Liberia can achieve sustained economic growth, poverty alleviation, and employment generation across the nation.

Highlighting the challenges faced by traditional road and air transportation, particularly in remote regions like the southeast, Lighe advocated for regulated coastal seaborne transport as a safer and more cost-effective alternative. He stressed the importance of regulatory measures to ensure the safety and compliance of maritime operations with international conventions, thereby enhancing the reliability and accessibility of coastal transport services.

Atty. Neto Z. Lighe outlined initiatives to enhance maritime education and training, including increasing student enrollment at Liberia's maritime training school and providing scholarships for specialized maritime studies at renowned institutions abroad. He emphasized the importance of nurturing a skilled workforce to meet the demands of the maritime industry and ensure compliance with international standards.

Additionally to his focus on transportation and education, Atty. Neto Z. Lighe pledged to prioritize marine environmental conservation and tourism development.

He committed to ensuring the safety and seaworthiness of pleasure watercraft and motorized boats used for tourism activities, along with the implementation of regulations governing their operation and inspection. Lighe also highlighted plans to clean the Mesurado River, not only as a sanitation measure but also as a potential tourist attraction and recreational hub for residents.

Looking ahead, Lighe expressed his commitment to attracting investment in Liberia's maritime sector, leveraging the country's vast maritime domain for economic growth and social development. Through strategic policies and regulatory frameworks, he aims to create a conducive environment for private sector participation and infrastructure development within Liberia's maritime industry.

The maritime unconfirmed Boss, Atty. Neto Z. Lighe's full plan for Liberia's maritime sector reflects a holistic approach to economic development, transportation accessibility, environmental sustainability, and tourism promotion. With his leadership, Liberia is poised to unlock the full potential of its maritime resources for the benefit of its people and the nation as a whole.