The Liberian Senate, during the opening of its second session on May 13, 2025, expressed profound dissatisfaction with the escalating exploitation of the nation’s resources by concession companies and the perceived inequitable distribution of the National Road Fund. Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Kangar Lawrence voiced these concerns, highlighting the disturbing findings presented by the Senate Committee on Concessions, which detailed the mismanagement and inadequate oversight of the extractive industry. This has prompted the Senate to plan a national retreat to develop a comprehensive National Concession Roadmap, mirroring a similar successful initiative implemented for the Port Authority. This roadmap aims to provide a structured framework for managing concessions, ensuring greater transparency and accountability in resource exploitation and maximizing benefits for the Liberian people. The Senate’s focus is on establishing clear guidelines and regulations to govern concession agreements, ensuring environmental protection, and guaranteeing equitable revenue sharing with affected communities.
The Senate’s frustration extends to what it considers a “selective disbursement” of the National Road Fund, designed to ensure infrastructure development across all counties. Pro-Tempore Lawrence mandated the Senate Committee on Public Works to meticulously review the next road project plan, guaranteeing that each county receives its allocated portion of the National Road Fund, promoting balanced regional development and ensuring no county is overlooked. The Senate also intends to investigate alleged violations of the Road Fund Act, aiming to uphold the integrity of the fund and ensure its proper utilization for its intended purpose. This comprehensive approach reflects the Senate’s commitment to ensuring equitable resource allocation and promoting transparency in infrastructure development. The Senate’s actions are directed at enhancing accountability and ensuring that the benefits of the National Road Fund reach all Liberians.
The alarming revelations made by the Senate Committee on Concessions underscore the urgent need for a National Concession Roadmap. The committee’s findings point toward a systemic issue of resource mismanagement and exploitation by concession companies operating within Liberia. This has deprived the nation of its rightful share of revenue and has hindered its economic growth and development. The proposed roadmap is envisioned as a crucial instrument for establishing clear guidelines and regulations for concession agreements, ensuring greater transparency and accountability in the extractive industry, and protecting the environment from the detrimental impacts of resource exploitation. The roadmap will also focus on promoting community participation and ensuring that the benefits of resource extraction are shared equitably with affected communities.
The Senate’s call for a national retreat to finalize the National Concession Roadmap demonstrates its commitment to addressing these critical issues. The retreat will provide a platform for stakeholders, including government officials, concession companies, civil society organizations, and community representatives, to engage in constructive dialogue and contribute to the development of a robust and effective roadmap. The successful implementation of a similar roadmap for the Port Authority serves as a testament to the potential of this approach. The Senate expects the roadmap to become a vital tool for maximizing the benefits of Liberia’s natural resources, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring that the interests of the Liberian people are protected.
Beyond the issues of resource exploitation and road funds, the Senate also addressed crucial matters within the health and education sectors. Pro-Tempore Lawrence demanded a comprehensive report from the Committee on Health regarding the timely and effective disbursement of funds to referral hospitals across Liberia by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning. This underscores the Senate’s focus on ensuring adequate funding for healthcare services and enhancing the quality of care provided to Liberians. The Senate’s scrutiny of the Ministry’s budgetary support for healthcare programs aims to ensure that funds are utilized effectively and efficiently, contributing to improved health outcomes for all citizens. The Senate’s next phase of this investigation will include JFK and Redemption Hospitals, further demonstrating its commitment to ensuring the proper functioning of the healthcare system.
In the education sector, Pro-Tempore Lawrence requested a report from the Education Committee regarding the inclusion of volunteer teachers on the payroll, teacher training initiatives, and the renovation of schools nationwide. These inquiries reflect the Senate’s dedication to improving the quality of education in Liberia and ensuring that teachers are appropriately compensated for their services. The inclusion of volunteer teachers on the payroll is a critical step towards recognizing their contributions and professionalizing the teaching profession. Similarly, the Senate’s interest in teacher training and school renovations underscores its commitment to creating a conducive learning environment for students across the country. The Senate’s multi-pronged approach demonstrates its dedication to addressing critical issues affecting various sectors in Liberia, aiming to promote sustainable development and enhance the well-being of its citizens.
