-Urge Legislative Revisions
By: Blamo N. Toe | +231880320363
MONROVIA, Liberia – A coalition of civil society organizations, student groups, and intellectual institutions has praised President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for his recent veto of key provisions in two legislative bills seeking to decentralize Liberia’s port system. The groups are now calling on the National Legislature to revise the bills to address legal inconsistencies and structural flaws.
The proposed legislation — the “Liberia Sea and Inland Ports Decentralization and Modernization Act” — was passed by both Houses of the Legislature on June 24, 2025. The bill aims to increase autonomy for local ports, attract foreign investment, and channel port revenues directly into local infrastructure.
However, President Boakai vetoed major sections of the bill, warning that they conflict with existing maritime laws and could create overlapping mandates with the Liberia Maritime Authority. The president emphasized that decentralization of the ports without proper legal harmonization could undermine national coordination and governance.
In a joint press conference held in Monrovia, the civil society and student groups described the president’s veto as timely and necessary. Reading the statement on behalf of the coalition, Stephanie Success Gibson, Assistant Secretary General of Books Before Boys, said, “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai for his prudent decision to veto specific line items in the bill.”
The coalition, while acknowledging the developmental intent of the legislation, called on lawmakers to revise certain provisions to align with public interest and avoid unintended consequences.
Among the coalition’s concerns were vague legislative language, insufficient public consultations, and the proposal for a nine-member board to govern each port — which they argue is excessive and could hinder efficiency.
Mustapha Z. Sherman, Executive Director of Books Before Boys, clarified that the coalition is not seeking the total repeal of the bills. “We are only pushing for the Legislature to revisit certain provisions,” he said. “We also thank the Legislature for being farsighted in making laws that will create jobs and provide other social and economic opportunities for the citizens.”
The group urged the Legislature to engage in broader consultations and ensure that any new port legislation is legally sound, inclusive, and geared toward national development.
Participating organizations included Books Before Boys Incorporated, Center for the Exchange of Intellectual Opinion (CEIO), National Muslim Student Association of Liberia (NAMSAL), New Initiative for Progress, Coalition of Youth and Students for a Better Liberia, Liberia Youth United for Disability, Young Women for Peace, Alliance of Muslim Youths for Democracy, Liberia Action for Climate Justice, and Voice of the People.
