Sekou H. Dukuly, Managing Director of Liberia’s National Port Authority (NPA), has unveiled an ambitious plan to construct a new, state-of-the-art bulk and re-bulk terminal at the Freeport of Monrovia. This proposed US$200 million facility aims to revolutionize the handling of essential commodities like rice, cement, and wheat, addressing a critical infrastructure gap that has long plagued Liberia’s import sector. Dukuly highlighted Liberia’s status as one of the few West African nations lacking a specialized terminal for bulk goods, a deficiency that he argues contributes significantly to inflated costs for both businesses and consumers. He emphasized the global best practice of segregating bulk commodity handling from container operations, a practice Liberia currently lacks, leading to inefficiencies and increased expenses.
The absence of this specialized terminal forces the NPA to rely on containerized shipments and road-to-road operations for bulk commodities, particularly rice. This method, Dukuly explains, is cumbersome and costly, especially during the rainy season when logistical challenges are amplified. He cited the protracted port stays of vessels carrying bulk goods, incurring substantial demurrage charges, which are ultimately passed on to the consumer. Dukuly used the analogy of renting a vehicle and being charged for storage when the designated drop-off point lacks adequate storage facilities. This, he argued, directly impacts commodity prices, such as the stubbornly high cost of rice in Liberia, despite the lifting of export tariffs by the Indian government.
To address these long-standing issues and modernize Liberia’s port infrastructure, Dukuly spearheaded the development of the country’s first comprehensive Port Master Plan since the end of its civil war. This plan will analyze current maritime traffic, project future growth over the next five years, and forecast economic trends over the next decade. It will assess the potential usage of Liberian port facilities by businesses within Liberia, the Mano River Union (MRU), and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The master plan will also guide the modernization and expansion of port infrastructure to ensure efficient import processes within the next five years, setting a clear roadmap for the NPA’s strategic development.
While the Liberian government currently lacks the immediate financial resources to commence construction of the new terminal, Dukuly emphasized that a site has been identified for the first time, demonstrating concrete progress towards realizing this critical project. In the interim, the NPA is prioritizing the renovation and modernization of existing infrastructure, including administrative buildings, the Liberia Ship Registry (LSP), and the port clinic. Road rehabilitation and equipment upgrades are also underway, demonstrating a commitment to improving operational efficiency and working conditions within the existing framework. Dukuly stressed the NPA’s dedication to providing staff with a decent working environment and the necessary tools to perform their duties effectively, even as the authority works towards securing funding for the new terminal.
Dukuly also addressed the contentious issue of ArcelorMittal’s utilization of the Port of Buchanan and its royalty payments to the NPA. He revealed that the company currently pays no royalties, a situation he deems unacceptable and is actively working to rectify. He expressed optimism about ongoing discussions with the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC), noting the President’s proactive stance on the railway issue and ArcelorMittal’s apparent willingness to engage in more equitable and lawful negotiations. Dukuly highlighted the significant expansion underway at the Port of Buchanan, lamenting ArcelorMittal’s refusal to collaborate with the NPA on the expansion’s direction and the benefits that should accrue to the Liberian government and the port authority.
Furthermore, Dukuly emphasized the need for ArcelorMittal to pay fees for utilizing Liberian waters, a payment that has never been rendered. He criticized the company for operating within the port while neglecting its financial obligations. He commended the collaborative efforts of various government entities, including the Financial Intelligence Commission (FIC), the National Investment Commission (NIC), the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Executive Mansion, for supporting the NPA’s efforts to secure its rightful dues. Dukuly affirmed his confidence in the ongoing inter-agency cooperation and indicated that he has no immediate plans to seek legislative ratification of the third amendment to the ArcelorMittal agreement, prioritizing constructive dialogue and strategic action to address the existing issues. He underscored the overarching goal of fostering productive conversations and taking appropriate steps to ensure a fair and mutually beneficial relationship with ArcelorMittal, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of Liberia’s port infrastructure and the nation’s economy.
