By Julius Konton
MONROVIA – The National Bureau of Concessions has formally presented comprehensive compliance review reports on two of Maryland County’s largest agricultural concessions, recommending sweeping reforms to outdated agreements that have failed to deliver adequate benefits to local communities.
NBC Director General Hanson Senu Kiazolu Sr. submitted the reports to the Maryland County Legislative Caucus, covering the Cavalla Rubber Corporation and the Maryland Oil Palm Plantation.
The reviews represent the first comprehensive assessments of these concession agreements in years. Kiazolu acknowledged that mandatory compliance assessments had not been conducted for several years despite provisions requiring periodic reviews.
“The concessions are antiquated,” Kiazolu told lawmakers. “They must be modernized to reflect present-day economic realities and ensure that both investors and host communities benefit fairly.”
Liberia currently maintains more than 30 active concession agreements spanning mining, agriculture, forestry, and energy. Rubber and palm oil remain among the country’s leading agricultural exports, employing thousands of workers nationwide.
Key Recommendations
The reports propose renegotiating both concession agreements, which NBC believes no longer reflect Liberia’s evolving economic realities. Kiazolu stated that many provisions have become outdated and should align with modern investment standards and national development priorities.
Concession agreements in Liberia typically undergo periodic reviews every five years to evaluate compliance and performance. The reports also focused heavily on establishing and managing Community Development Funds and the Oil Palm Development Fund.
NBC commissioned an independent accountant to verify the financial obligations of the concessionaires.
“We engaged an independent accountant to determine the actual amounts due,” Kiazolu said. “We also verified other obligations in collaboration with the Liberia Revenue Authority and were satisfied with the findings.”
The concession companies have not rejected the idea of contributing to community development funds but have requested clear policy guidance from NBC regarding implementation and fund management.
Kiazolu emphasized that these funds should be ring-fenced exclusively for transformative community projects, including schools, healthcare facilities, roads, clean water systems, and youth empowerment initiatives.
Representative Anthony Williams of Pleebo-Sodoken District welcomed the reports, describing them as a historic achievement for Maryland County.
“This is a dream come true for Maryland County and its people,” Williams said.
He noted that despite requirements for five-year reviews, the concessions dating back to 2011 had never undergone such assessments until now.
Williams revealed that upon assuming office, he deliberately pursued dialogue and constructive engagement with stakeholders instead of public confrontation.
“My predecessor fought hard on these issues through arguments and public debates. When I took office, I chose a diplomatic approach by engaging stakeholders directly, and today we are seeing the results.”
Williams strongly endorsed establishing dedicated Community Development Funds, arguing that concession revenues should directly benefit affected communities rather than being absorbed into central government accounts.
He referenced Nimba County’s successful advocacy for a dedicated development funding mechanism under the ArcelorMittal Liberia concession, led by the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson.
“Nimba demonstrated that concession revenues can be managed through dedicated county development mechanisms,” Williams said. “This recommendation is good, and we will take it back to our people.”
The presentation comes as Liberia intensifies efforts to strengthen oversight of concession agreements. These deals have historically attracted billions of dollars in investment while generating debate over revenue sharing, environmental protection, labor standards, and community benefits.
The National Bureau of Concessions serves as the government’s principal institution for monitoring compliance and ensuring investors meet contractual obligations.
