BREAKING NEWS: Liberian Senate Recalls Seaport Decentralization Bill from President for Further Review

Monrovia, Liberia: The Liberian Senate has officially withdrawn the Seaport Decentralization and Modernization Bill from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., just days after it was submitted for presidential assent, citing the need for additional consultations and revisions.

 The recall also affects a companion instrument — the Act amending Chapter VI of the Public Authorities Law establishing the National Port Authority (NPA).

In a formal communication to the President, the Senate explained that although the bill was earlier processed following a presidential veto and at the request of the Executive, lawmakers have now agreed to retrieve the documents to allow for broader stakeholder input and technical adjustments.

According to the Senate, the decision was reached after an internal consultative meeting, where members resolved to incorporate additional views aimed at strengthening the proposed framework for port decentralization.

The Senate says it will revise the legislation and resubmit it to the President within two weeks.

President Boakai has acknowledged the request and has returned both instruments to the Legislature as asked.

The Seaport Decentralization and Modernization Bill seeks to reform Liberia’s port governance system by decentralizing operations beyond Monrovia, improving efficiency, and opening space for regional port development. The proposal has drawn significant public attention amid ongoing efforts by the government to modernize the National Port Authority and attract private investment into Liberia’s maritime sector.